Federal unions are raising alarm after more than 5,400 public servants were notified this week that their jobs could be affected, warning the process is creating what they describe as a “Hunger Games-style anxiety” across the federal workforce.
The notices are part of the federal government’s comprehensive expenditure review, which aims to cut 28,000 jobs over the next four years. Departments issuing workforce adjustment notices include Statistics Canada, Shared Services Canada, Global Affairs Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Union data provided to CTV News Ottawa show that 5,404 workers received notices this week, including 3,200 at Statistics Canada, 1,200 at Shared Services Canada, and 736 at Public Services and Procurement Canada.
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is planning a rally in downtown Ottawa on Friday to protest cuts to federal science departments and the broader public service. The union says employees are being forced to compete for their own jobs while outside consultants continue to work.
PIPSC president Sean O’Reilly questioned why layoffs are proceeding while consultants remain in place, noting that consultants cost at least 26 per cent more than public servants. He warned the cuts would weaken cybersecurity, undermine evidence-based decision-making, and delay service delivery.
Other unions echoed those concerns. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said hundreds of its members across multiple departments received notices this week, warning the cuts will slow programs and reduce critical services. PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa said the government is “cutting first and explaining later,” leaving workers and communities in the dark.
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees also reported nearly 2,000 notices issued to its members at Statistics Canada.
Under the Canada Strong Budget 2025, Ottawa plans to reduce the federal workforce by about 40,000 positions through layoffs, attrition, and early retirements, shrinking the public service from a peak of 367,772 employees in 2024 to about 330,000 by 2028–29, as part of a broader effort to achieve $60 billion in savings.