Thousands of federal employees have been informed that their positions could be at risk after the government’s commitment to reducing the public service, as confirmed by CBC News. Not all individuals who receive a “workforce adjustment notice” (WFA) will be laid off, but most will experience significant changes in their roles.
Following a comprehensive spending review in 2025, the Liberal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, unveiled plans to slash 16,000 full-time equivalent positions over three years. This move aims to reduce the federal workforce to 333,000 by 2029, marking a decrease of 40,000 positions from its peak in 2024.
The downsizing process is a major concern in Ottawa and Gatineau, where nearly half of the federal workforce is concentrated. The specific departments targeted for cuts have not been disclosed by the government, and the timeline for informing affected employees remains uncertain.
CBC News is actively verifying information with various departments and public service unions to provide updates on the situation. The latest figures and developments from different departments reveal the impact of the workforce adjustments across various government agencies.
For instance, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)’s Agriculture Union reported that 1,371 workers at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have received notices, with 587 jobs slated for elimination. Similarly, the Public Health Agency of Canada indicated that no employees have been affected by workforce adjustments following a comprehensive review.
In summary, the ongoing workforce adjustments in the federal government are causing significant implications across multiple departments, leading to job uncertainties and restructuring within the public service. The process is being closely monitored and updated to provide accurate information on the evolving situation.