Federal Job Cuts Shake Canada: 30 Departments Issue Notices to 18,000 Public Servants

Approximately 18,000 federal public servants have received notices over the past two months warning that their jobs may be cut as part of the federal government’s comprehensive expenditure review. Data from three federal unions reveals that 30 federal departments and museums have issued workforce adjustment notices in December and January, with more than 15,000 notices sent in the past two weeks alone.

While receiving a notice doesn’t guarantee job loss, it marks a critical step in the government’s plan to reduce spending. The Canada Strong Budget 2025 outlines a strategy to cut 28,000 positions from the federal public service over the next four years, aiming for $60 billion in savings.

Key Departments Affected by Job Cut Notices

Statistics Canada leads with 3,200 notices issued, targeting a reduction of about 850 positions and a 12% cut to the executive team. With 7,274 employees as of March 2025, this represents a significant shift.

Global Affairs Canada has issued 2,395 notices, though the department notes that more letters are being sent than the actual target number of positions to be eliminated, affecting its 7,657 employees.

Health Canada has notified 1,900 employees, as the department focuses on modernizing operations and consolidating administrative functions to protect Canadians’ health and safety.

Shared Services Canada has sent 1,290 notices, with the department confirming that notifications are ongoing and positions may no longer be required.

Transport Canada has issued 1,281 notices, though the department has not provided details on the number of positions to be cut.

Other Major Departments Impacted

• Employment and Social Development Canada: 1,123 notices issued, with a workforce adjustment process underway to meet targets by 2028-29.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: 1,100 notices sent, planning to cut 45 executive and 569 non-executive positions over three years.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada: 1,000 individuals notified, with a plan to reduce the workforce by 840 full-time equivalent positions.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: 1,043 employees notified, with 655 positions set to be eliminated.
• Public Services and Procurement Canada: 970 notices issued, affecting one of the largest departments with 18,936 employees.

Additional Departments and Museums

Notices have also been issued in departments like Natural Resources Canada (700 notices, 400 positions to be cut), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (484 notices), and Public Safety Canada (391 notices). Cultural institutions like the Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of History are also reducing staff due to the expenditure review and structural deficits.

What This Means for Federal Employees

The issuance of workforce adjustment notices is a procedural step, and not all notified employees will lose their jobs. Departments are streamlining operations, adopting digital tools, and focusing on core mandates to achieve savings. Employees are encouraged to stay informed through their unions and departmental communications as the review progresses.