Francophonie: Canada limits its contribution to the OIF, officially for cases of harassment

In her response to the head of Canadian diplomacy, dated April 6, 2023, Louise Mushikiwabo (our photo), explains that the Canadian ambassador in Paris had "promised her difficult relations with Ottawa" if she "did not change her mind about the end of Geoffroi Montpetit's contract." AFP PHOTO/ TONY KARUMBA

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Several "disturbing" cases of harassment at work have been revealed by agents of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). As a result, Canada announced a reduction of three million Canadian dollars in its financial contribution to the organization.

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Cases of harassment at work have been revealed by agents of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). According to the results of an internal survey commissioned in December 2022 and that RFI was able to consult, 44% of respondents say they have already experienced moral harassment, more than one in two agents interviewed say they have witnessed it while 9% talk about sexual harassment. This report, driven by the management, should, according to the OIF, "free speech" on the subject.

Three million Canadian dollars less

The consequences of these revelations are far-reaching: Canada has announced a reduction of three million Canadian dollars in its financial contribution to the organization. This is an unprecedented decision. On April 2, in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced a reduction in her contribution to the organization of La Francophonie. A decision justified by the latest "disturbing" results in terms of moral and sexual harassment within the OIF.

But Oria Vande Weghe, spokesperson for the organization, sees another reason: the non-reappointment of Canadian Geoffroi Montpetit as administrator: "It really looks like a settling of scores. In any case, if Louise Mushikiwabo did not renew the contract of the previous administrator, we were warned of reprisals. We consider that we are really facing these reprisals.

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« Difficult relationships »

In her response to the head of Canadian diplomacy, dated April 6, Louise Mushikiwabo, explains that the Canadian ambassador in Paris had "promised her difficult relations with Ottawa" if she "did not change her mind about the end of Geoffroi Montpetit's contract." In this letter, the number one of the OIF also ensures that the fight against harassment must not be "diverted by personal maneuvers", as defended by its spokeswoman: "These figures are worrying. What is certain is that the current secretary general is the only secretary who wanted us to take an interest in the issue, We can not blame a leadership for tackling moral harassment, sexual, then cut contributions on the basis of the results of a survey that serves precisely to tackle this problem. »

Canada is the second largest funder of La Francophonie. Even with less financial support from Ottawa, the organization will continue to operate, says its spokeswoman.

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  • Francophonie
  • Canada
  • Human rights
  • Society
  • Louise Mushikiwabo
  • Finance