In a significant move signaling cost-cutting efforts within the federal public service, hundreds of job losses are expected at two major Canadian government departments: the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The news comes amid broader government efforts to reduce spending and streamline public services. According to internal communications and union sources, both departments are preparing to implement workforce reductions that could impact a wide range of roles — from administrative support to policy and program delivery positions.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents thousands of federal workers, confirmed that it has been notified of potential layoffs and job reallocations. While the exact number of affected employees has not been made public, early estimates suggest that the cuts could impact several hundred positions across the country.
Union leaders have expressed strong concern about the move, warning that the cuts could result in service delays, lower efficiency, and added pressure on remaining staff. “These job losses will not only hurt the workers and their families but also the Canadians who depend on these essential services,” said a PSAC spokesperson.
The CRA plays a critical role in tax collection, benefit distribution, and enforcement, while ESDC is responsible for key social programs such as Employment Insurance, pensions, and workforce development initiatives. Any staff reductions in these departments could have a ripple effect on service delivery to Canadians, especially during periods of high demand.
Government officials have defended the move, saying it is part of a broader initiative to modernize services and make more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Some of the job reductions may come through attrition and voluntary departure incentives, while others could involve direct layoffs.
In an official statement, Treasury Board representatives emphasized that the government remains committed to maintaining core public services and that the reduction strategy will prioritize minimizing disruption to Canadians.
Still, concerns are mounting within the public service sector. Employee morale is reportedly low, and there is growing unease about future cuts in other federal departments as the government continues its belt-tightening measures.
This development comes at a time when Canadians are already facing challenges in accessing timely government services, such as passport renewals, immigration processing, and tax return assistance. Experts warn that further reductions could compromise service standards and lead to longer wait times.
As the federal government continues to evaluate departmental performance and resource allocation, more details about the scope and implementation timeline of the CRA and ESDC job cuts are expected in the coming weeks.
Source : Swifteradio.com
