Serving Canada Abroad
My name is Madina Iltireh. I am a Canadian citizen, and for more than two decades I served Canada with dedication and integrity. I joined Global Affairs Canada in 2004, and in 2018 I was selected for a posting abroad as the Ambassador’s Assistant at the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City—an opportunity I accepted with pride.
On August 4, 2018, my posting took a devastating turn. What followed became a nightmare that lasted nearly three years. I experienced racism, discrimination, and treatment that I believe no one should endure in a workplace—especially not while serving their country. The impact reached beyond my job. It affected my health, my family, and my future.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied
When I raised concerns through the proper channels, my complaint was dismissed without a proper investigation. Despite the credibility of my testimony and evidence supported by colleagues, I was left without clear answers, accountability, or protection. Still, I made the difficult decision not to walk away. I chose to pursue justice.
On March 18, 2024, the Federal Court ruled in my favour and ordered a complete and impartial investigation. An independent investigator later confirmed serious findings that validated key aspects of my case. Despite that, Global Affairs Canada subsequently moved to reopen the matter—forcing me back into legal proceedings and prolonging an already exhausting process.
Join the Pursuit of Justice
I am sharing my story publicly because I believe this fight is bigger than me. It is about dignity, fairness, and transparency, and about what happens when people face discrimination within public institutions and are left to fight alone. Even after the Federal Court ruled in my favour and an investigator from GAC already confirmed the discrimination and negligence I endured, GAC has chosen to restart the process rather than accept accountability.
Your support is needed to sustain the mounting legal costs necessary to challenge this abuse of power, demand finality, and ensure that our public institutions are not above the law.
