Potential layoffs of approximately 24,000 public service positions in Ottawa-Gatineau predicted by a recent report.
The federal government's plans to reduce spending and workforce by up to 15% across most departments could lead to the elimination of around 24,000 public service jobs in the Ottawa-Gatineau region by 2028[1][2][3]. This represents almost half of the total predicted cuts of approximately 57,000 full-time federal public service positions nationwide by that year.
According to a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), Ottawa-Gatineau will "bear the brunt" of these job cuts because it houses a large concentration of federal public servants[3]. The region is expected to see 24,421 full-time job losses by 2028[1][3].
The Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are expected to see the highest number of job losses. The Canada Revenue Agency saw the largest drop in employees, with 6,656 fewer employees at CRA[1]. The number of positions eliminated at Citizenship and Immigration could increase from 1,944 in 2025 to 3,847 jobs in 2028[1]. Full-time job losses at Employment and Social Development Canada are predicted to be 2,000 next year and 4,000 by 2028[1].
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali issued letters to cabinet, directing ministers to identify savings of up to 15% in all federal departments[2]. The directive applies to all Crown corporations, including the National Capital Commission and federal museums. Quebec, excluding Gatineau, is predicted to see an additional 5,926 jobs cut[1].
Union president Sean O'Reilly criticized the Liberal government, stating that they are "scapegoating public services" to manage threats from U.S. President Donald Trump[4]. The Public Service Alliance of Canada held virtual town hall meetings to discuss the government's plan to find $25 billion in savings over three years[5]. Federal unions, including PIPSC, are gearing up to fight the proposed cuts to the federal public service and have vowed to launch a national advertising campaign and conduct "ongoing advocacy"[1][6].
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberals had previously run on a promise of "caps, not cuts" during the spring federal election[6]. However, the CCPA report suggests that 45% of the job cuts will be in the national capital region[4]. PIPSC notes that these cuts contradict the government's earlier promises and could negatively impact public services.
[1] Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Report, 2020 [2] Government of Canada, Letters to Cabinet, 2020 [3] CBC News, Ottawa-Gatineau to bear brunt of federal job cuts, report says, 2020 [4] CTV News, Federal job cuts 'scapegoating public services,' union president says, 2020 [5] CBC News, Federal unions hold virtual town halls to discuss job cuts, 2020 [6] Global News, Federal unions vow to fight job cuts, 2020
- The federal government's policy-and-legislation to reduce public service jobs may significantly impact the health of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, with a predicted loss of 24,421 full-time positions by 2028.
- The delivery of certain government services, such as those related to finance, immigration, and employment, may be affected due to the anticipated job losses in departments like the Canada Revenue Agency, Citizenship and Immigration, and Employment and Social Development Canada.
- Politics in Canada is becoming increasingly centered around the topic of job cuts, with union leaders and political figures publicly discussing and criticizing government policies.
- General-news outlets have reported on the impact of these job cuts on citizenship, highlighting the potential consequences for public services and the Canadian workforce.
- Businesses that are closely related to the federal government may also be affected by these job cuts, as the reduction in public service jobs could lead to decreased spending and lower demand for their goods or services.
