Overview
Madina Iltireh is a Canadian citizen and a Black Muslim woman pursuing justice arising from workplace discrimination connected to her employment with Global Affairs Canada. She joined Global Affairs Canada in 2004, and in 2018 she was posted to the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, serving as the Ambassador’s Assistant. Following events that began on August 4, 2018, Ms. Iltireh reported racism, discrimination, and harmful workplace treatment during her posting, including by her direct manager, the ambassador.
Federal Court: Judicial Review
After Ms. Iltireh’s workplace complaint was dismissed without an adequate investigation, she commenced judicial review proceedings in the Federal Court. On July 4, 2022, she filed an application challenging a committee decision dated May 27, 2022. On March 18, 2024, the Federal Court granted Ms. Iltireh’s application and ordered Global Affairs Canada to conduct a complete and impartial investigation, finding that core principles of natural justice, procedural fairness, and legally required procedures were not observed.
Court-Ordered Investigation
Pursuant to the Court’s order, Global Affairs Canada retained an independent investigator. The investigation was extensive, including interviews with a total of twenty‑three witnesses (including employees connected to the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait) and four expert witnesses, and review of substantial documentary evidence. The investigator delivered her report on May 6, 2025 (provided the following day), making significant findings against the ambassador.
Key Findings (Independent Investigator)
- The ambassador fostered and tolerated bullying and discriminatory behaviour by other embassy staff towards Ms. Iltireh, breaching the “Respect for People” value of the Code.
- The ambassador fostered bullying and acted in a discriminatory manner by preventing Ms. Iltireh from working in the secure zone without justification.
- The ambassador failed to ensure that Ms. Iltireh worked in a healthy and safe environment.
- The ambassador failed to ensure that Ms. Iltireh and her dependents lived in a safe environment during her posting in Kuwait, contrary to the Code’s obligations.
Reopening of the Matter
Despite these findings, Global Affairs Canada later chose to reopen the investigation and appoint a new investigator, effectively requiring Ms. Iltireh to return to legal proceedings in order to seek finality, accountability, and closure.
Costs
To date, the case has incurred more than $20,000 in legal fees. Ms. Iltireh also notes the broader context that the federal government has reportedly spent over $20 million contesting remedies sought by Black public service workers.
Need for Support
The matter continues to impose a significant financial and emotional burden. Donations in support of Ms. Iltireh’s legal fight can be made through Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS) via CanadaHelps. An official tax receipt will be issued for donations.
About the Friends in Toronto Community Services
Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS) is a registered Canadian charity with a mission to inspire, educate, and empower communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Through community-based programs, advocacy, and education, FITCS works to raise awareness, strengthen collective action, and support pathways toward dignity, justice, and long-term wellbeing. Whether individuals are directly impacted or seeking to stand in solidarity, FITCS invites everyone to be part of a growing movement to make poverty history.