Statistics Canada has informed federal employees about upcoming job cuts, with plans to eliminate 850 positions within the department over the next two years. This move follows a comprehensive review of the federal public service in 2025, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s initial budget aiming to cut 16,000 jobs by 2028.
Chief statistician André Loranger notified staff that further details on the “workforce adjustments” will be provided by the end of the week. Approximately 3,274 workforce adjustment notices will be issued to employees whose roles may become surplus, with the majority expected to receive notifications before Jan. 27. While not all individuals receiving notices will lose their jobs, some may be reassigned to different positions. Additionally, 12% of Statistics Canada’s executive positions are slated for elimination.
Statistics Canada affirmed its commitment to serving Canadians amidst these changes and adapting to future needs. As of March 31, 2025, the department had 7,274 employees on its payroll. The Professional Institute Of The Public Service Of Canada (PIPSC) at Statistics Canada is expected to receive around 940 notices, raising concerns among union representatives about the impact on vital data production.
To mitigate the effects of the job cuts, the government is offering early retirement incentives to employees. Union representatives, such as Ruth Lau MacDonald from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, expressed worries about the uncertainty and stress among members awaiting further details regarding potential cuts.
Other government departments, including Shared Services Canada and Global Affairs Canada, are also anticipated to announce their workforce adjustment plans in the near future.