The Public Health Agency of Canada is reducing its workforce by approximately 10% in response to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move is part of the agency’s efforts to reallocate resources towards government-funded priorities due to changing salary allocations. The restructuring entails prioritizing and streamlining programs, which may result in the discontinuation of certain activities, as stated by an agency representative in communication with CBC News.
Although the exact number has not been finalized, it is estimated that around 320 positions will be eliminated, with notifications expected to be sent to affected employees next week. These job cuts are in addition to previous reductions earlier this year, with the agency currently employing slightly over 3,000 individuals.
The spokesperson emphasized that these decisions are not taken lightly and are aimed at enhancing sustainability and maximizing public health impact moving forward. The agency played a crucial role in federal communication and coordination during the pandemic.
Previously, before 2020, the agency had a workforce of over 2,300 employees. By 2022, this number had nearly doubled to exceed 4,200 staff members. The recent layoffs are separate from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s initiatives to reduce public sector expenditures before the upcoming budget announcement, clarified the PHAC spokesperson.
Prime Minister Carney had instructed federal ministers to propose significant cost-saving measures for their respective departments and programs earlier this summer. The federal budget, postponed following the recent election, is anticipated to be revealed in October, with discussions underway as Carney’s cabinet convenes in the Greater Toronto Area in preparation for Parliament’s return later this month.
During his election campaign, Carney vowed to achieve a balanced operating budget within the next three years while committing to increased defense spending and infrastructure projects. Carney described the upcoming budget as a combination of austerity and investment, emphasizing the importance of fiscal discipline to achieve these objectives.