“Voices of Exclusion: Black Diplomats Challenge Systemic Racism at Global Affairs Canada”

President and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat Nicholas Marcus Thompson looks on as Global Affairs Canada employee Madina Iltireh speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.

Current and former Black employees at Global Affairs Canada are speaking out, alleging that the department has failed to take their complaints of racism and discrimination seriously.

At a recent news conference on Parliament Hill, members of the Black Class Action Secretariat highlighted cases where internal complaints were dismissed, only to be later upheld by courts or external commissions. Among those sharing her story was Madina Iltireh, who worked more than two decades in foreign aid administration. She described feeling isolated and discriminated against during her posting in Kuwait, where an internal investigation eventually confirmed she had been subjected to bullying and discriminatory practices.

The Secretariat argues that these cases reflect a broader pattern of systemic racism across the federal public service. They are pursuing legal challenges, including an appeal before the Federal Court of Appeal, which could take a year to resolve.

Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged the concerns but faces mounting pressure to implement meaningful reforms. Advocates say the department must move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to structural change to ensure Black employees are treated with fairness and dignity.