Ottawa – On July 26, the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, and the Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, made the following statement:
"The Government of Canada has put forward an offer to the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) that is fair to PAFSO members and taxpayers. We are disappointed that PAFSO was so quick to reject our willingness to enter into a binding arbitration process that the union itself requested.
"In the past month, the Government has reached tentative agreements with two unions representing aviation inspectors and correctional officers. These deals were reached because the bargaining agents' approaches were fair and reasonable.
"In contrast, PAFSO continues to insist on making unreasonable comparisons between substantively different jobs in the Public Service.
"We will continue to bargain in good faith and welcome constructive efforts to reach a timely and reasonable settlement that fully restores the diplomatic, consular and other services Canadians pay for and expect.
"In the meantime, we continue to take steps to ensure the timely processing of visas. The Canadian public is deeply concerned by PAFSO's willingness to disrupt international business, including tourism, during our busy spring and summer seasons.
"However, we want to reassure Canadians and our international friends that, despite PAFSO's actions, Canada remains open for business, and that we continue to welcome visitors and international students to experience Canada."
"The Government of Canada has put forward an offer to the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) that is fair to PAFSO members and taxpayers. We are disappointed that PAFSO was so quick to reject our willingness to enter into a binding arbitration process that the union itself requested.
"In the past month, the Government has reached tentative agreements with two unions representing aviation inspectors and correctional officers. These deals were reached because the bargaining agents' approaches were fair and reasonable.
"In contrast, PAFSO continues to insist on making unreasonable comparisons between substantively different jobs in the Public Service.
"We will continue to bargain in good faith and welcome constructive efforts to reach a timely and reasonable settlement that fully restores the diplomatic, consular and other services Canadians pay for and expect.
"In the meantime, we continue to take steps to ensure the timely processing of visas. The Canadian public is deeply concerned by PAFSO's willingness to disrupt international business, including tourism, during our busy spring and summer seasons.
"However, we want to reassure Canadians and our international friends that, despite PAFSO's actions, Canada remains open for business, and that we continue to welcome visitors and international students to experience Canada."
