The Public Health Agency of Canada is reducing its workforce by approximately 10% in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is reallocating resources to government-funded priorities by reorganizing programs and potentially discontinuing certain activities. An estimated 320 positions are expected to be eliminated, with affected employees set to receive notification next week.
This round of job cuts follows earlier reductions made earlier in the year, with the current staff count at just over 3,000 employees, down from over 4,200 in 2022. The agency emphasized that these decisions are being made with careful consideration, aiming to refocus on sustainability and public health impact moving forward.
Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to reduce public sector spending, the Public Health Agency clarified that these job cuts are not part of that plan. Carney has requested ambitious savings proposals from federal ministers for their respective departments and programs. The upcoming federal budget, delayed after the recent election, is anticipated to be revealed in October, with a focus on achieving budget balance over the next three years while boosting defense spending and infrastructure projects.
Carney’s cabinet is currently meeting in the Greater Toronto Area to discuss budget preparations as Parliament reconvenes later this month. The Prime Minister highlighted the dual approach of austerity and investment in the upcoming budget, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline to achieve these goals.