Federal employees are receiving information about upcoming job reductions in the public sector as Statistics Canada disclosed plans to cut 850 positions within the department over the next two years. This move follows a comprehensive review of the federal public service in 2025 and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment in his initial budget to eliminate 16,000 jobs by 2028.
Further details on the “workforce adjustments” are anticipated later this week, as conveyed in an email to staff by chief statistician André Loranger. The first batch of 100 Statistics Canada employees will be informed that their roles are now deemed surplus.
In total, 3,274 “workforce adjustment notices” will be issued to employees whose services may no longer be required. The majority of notifications are expected to be sent out before Jan. 27. Although not all recipients will be terminated, some may be reassigned to different positions. Additionally, 12% of Statistics Canada’s executive positions are slated for elimination.
Despite these changes, Statistics Canada assured CBC that its primary focus remains on serving Canadians and adapting to future demands during this transitional period.
As of March 31, 2025, Statistics Canada employed 7,274 individuals. Approximately 940 of the notices will be directed to members of the Professional Institute Of The Public Service Of Canada (PIPSC) at Statistics Canada.
Sean O’Reilly, president of PIPSC, expressed deep concern over the impact of these cuts on the vital data produced by Statistics Canada. The government is offering early retirement incentives to mitigate the effects of the impending job reductions.
Ruth Lau MacDonald, executive vice-president for the National Capital Region at the Public Service Alliance of Canada, highlighted the heightened stress and anxiety among union members as they await further details on potential job cuts.
In addition to Statistics Canada, other departments such as Shared Services Canada and Global Affairs Canada are expected to unveil their own workforce adjustment plans in the near future.