Head of Public Service Announces Cuts to Programs and Staff Amid Government Savings Plan
OTTAWA — Canada's senior bureaucrat has warned that the government's target to reduce spending is significant and will result in cuts to programs and jobs within the public service.
The federal budget announced on Tuesday detailed a strategy to reduce program spending and administrative expenses by approximately $60 billion over the coming five years.
In a message addressed to federal employees following the budget release, Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia indicated that this plan will cause some programs to be cut and others to be canceled.
Michael Sabia stated that reduced spending will inevitably lead to a smaller public service.
The budget outlines the government's intention to decrease federal employment by 10 percent within four years, which equates to roughly 40,000 fewer jobs from the peak of 368,000 jobs two years ago.
While the government plans to reduce staff numbers through natural attrition, the budget clearly indicates that some positions will be actively eliminated.
This report was originally published by The Canadian Press in November.
Summary
The federal budget’s target to reduce spending by $60 billion will lead to significant cuts in programs and an estimated 40,000 federal jobs over four years, as confirmed by top public service officials.