bout de papier, Vol. 10, No. 2 (1993) — Spring 1993 // Printemps 1993, p. 5
Editor,
The recent article on “Benefit Coverage for Same-Sex Couples” [by Peter Cenne, bout, vol. 10, no. 1] highlights an on-going problem which the recent “Mossop” decision unfortunately did not resolve. While this Supreme Court decision was disappointing, it in no way closed the door to an eventual favourable resolution of this issue. As Peter Cenne’s article correctly notes, the Ontario Court of Appeal decision, which “wrote-in” sexual orientation into the Canadian Human Rights Code, has indeed paved the way for potentially successful discrimination cases, a number of which are already in the system (e.g. there is already a case underway concerning dental plan coverage for a same-sex partner).
Although the courts probably offer the best hope for addressing inequities in the current policy, some members of PAFSO have already been working through various channels to address a wide range of issues of concern to gay and lesbian Foreign Service Officers. With the strong support of the PAFSO executive, an informal network called “The Ghosts Committee” has been established to bring to the attention of management issues which could be addressed now, even in the absence of future court decisions. Although management has made it clear that they must work within the boundaries set out by Treasury Board, there is, nonetheless, a willingness to try to address our concerns where possible, not just in the area of benefits but in other areas such as security policies. PAFSO members wishing to work with the committee, or those who simply wish to be plugged into the infonet, should contact the committee through the PAFSO office.
“The Ghosts Committee”
Editor,
Congratulations to you and the Editorial Board and to the managing editor on the richly-deserved awards that have come to bout de papier, which my wife and I respect and enjoy thoroughly. Long may it prosper.
James A. Gibson Vineland Station, Ontario
Editor,
Brussels is an interesting place to be as the E.C. tries to construct “The New Europe”; as NATO designs its future in a new world; as the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the republics of the former USSR work toward their salvation; and as governments search for peace in Yugoslavia, for a new world trading system, etc. In short, there is much to write about, and I would hope that you would get some good contributions from colleagues on this side of the Atlantic.
In conclusion, may I repeat that I am always immensely pleased to receive my copy of bout de papier. bout de papier has managed to encourage good contributions, and, even though I am no longer in the Foreign Service, it helps me keep in touch with colleagues, old and new. For all of these reasons I am grateful to you and your staff.
Geoffrey F. Bruce (former Ambassador) Brussels
Editor,
The cat is finally out of the bag. It will be the big scandal of 1993. Indeed, by mistake, a translator has now revealed that the officers in the Department of External Affairs who were working in the East Block on Parliament Hill in the fifties had been infiltrated by communists.
A recent letter from RHOMA to its members stated that the new Foreign Service Institute is a successor to the University of the East Block. However, the translator of that letter, probably in the know, and with a slip of his pen, revealed that “l’Institut du Service Extérieur” is in fact the successor of “l’Université du bloc soviétique”. It is no wonder that some people, especially “Conservatives”, always suspected officers in External Affairs of being “reds”.
Georges H. Blouin Ottawa
Editor,
I currently am registered as having a subscription to your great magazine. I have enjoyed it greatly, and find it helps in explaining when people ask me, “ … SO what’s this Canadian diplomatic thing you keep on about, anyway?
Massimo Savino Fukuyama city, Japan
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 10, No. 2 (1993) — Spring 1993 // Printemps 1993, p. 5. Read the rest of this issue →
