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Spousal Employment - It's on Everyone's Mind!

Danielle Fortin
Coordinator for spousal issues

As tradition dictates in the FSCA, the fall is a season of renewal and initiatives. This year once again, the spousal sub-comity's schedule is bursting at the seems! With the help of our president and a number of active members of our executive, we have zeroed in on the following priorities for the year2003-2004:

  1. The launch and promotion of the AGORA Spousal Databank. Emphasis will be placed on the need for this databank to be made available to potential employers both in Ottawa and in posts abroad.
  2. Increasing the salaries for Community Coordinators.
  3. The creation of more spousal positions in mission where possible. In this endeavour the cooperation of our heads of Mission will be essential.
  4. Continued work on the changes needing to be made to the Employment Insurance policies.

In the spirit of continued cooperation and similar interests, the FSCA and members of the HR division of DFAIT met for a meeting this past September 19th. It was important for the FSCA and DFAIT to compare notes on priorities and establish where these coincided. After introductions, our president presented our priorities and areas where we intend to work the most. The department's answer to this was favourable as our points of focus are for the most part aligned.

The launch for the new Databank is surely at the top of everyone's list. Its effectiveness and success will be highly dependant on the follow up and support provided by both the FSCA and the department. A comparative study conducted by DFAIT in 1999 suggested that fewer rotational employees choose to move mainly due to concerns about spousal employment, the education of their children, and concerns about aging parents. The first point having been the most important one explains the relevance of the databank. We invite each and every one of you to insure that your resume is in this databank before its official launch on October 28th.

It was also reiterated by the members of the FSCA that heads of mission are key partners in the employment of spouses. Everyone at this meeting was clearly on the same page with regards to this as the department representatives make sure to hammer this message home to all new heads of mission and directors on a regular basis. There have also been recent developments in the area of bilateral agreements. While we are still trying to establish more flexibility when it comes to allowing for spousal employment, abroad, things are moving in the right direction.

As you can see we have our work cut out for us, but what a challenge and opportunity to progress. If this meeting was any indication of things to come, this year will be one to remember.

If you would like to make some comments, suggestions, or have ideas share, or if you'd like to get involved - to any degree- with the comity, feel free to contact me at fsca.acse@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

Have a great year everyone!

Danielle Fortin
Coordinator for spousal issues