A Canadian trade commissioner posted to Athens was denied compensation after claiming more than $5,000 in COVID-19-related expenses for items including high heel shoes, makeup, a French press coffeemaker, and bicycles, according to a ruling from the Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.The board rejected the claims of Vanessa Podgurny, a $111,000-a-year trade commissioner, who argued the purchases were “essential” following her evacuation from Greece in 2020. Podgurny returned to Canada days after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic and the federal government ordered diplomatic staff home..Employees were offered cash advances to spend on essential items until their household goods could be shipped, but the board found Podgurny did not justify her purchases.“The onus of demonstrating those items were essential was upon the grievor,” wrote adjudicator Goretti Fukamusenge, noting no explanation was provided for why a French press, duvet, children’s winter clothing or cosmetics were indispensable.The board said the foreign service faced extraordinary logistical challenges, with more than 70% of Global Affairs Canada staff posted overseas when the pandemic hit.“In a situation like the pandemic in which the employer had to evacuate hundreds of employees and their dependents, it was not possible to ensure perfection,” the ruling stated..Management argued Podgurny was given several days to pack and allowed excess baggage. She could have brought her own essential items, they said, instead of billing the government after arrival.The board concluded the employer acted reasonably and consistently in applying a strict definition of what qualified as essential across the public service.From the outset of the pandemic, the federal government budgeted $100 million to repatriate more than 57,000 Canadians stranded abroad. The costs of returning diplomatic personnel were not publicly disclosed.
