The Public Health Agency of Canada is reducing its workforce by approximately 10% in response to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision stems from the agency’s need to reallocate resources to government-funded priorities due to new salary allocations. Consequently, some programs will be reprioritized, streamlined, or discontinued, as stated by an agency representative in correspondence with CBC News.
Although exact figures are pending, the spokesperson anticipates around 320 job positions will be eliminated, with notifications expected to be sent out to affected employees next week. These job cuts come in addition to prior reductions made earlier this year, impacting a workforce of slightly over 3,000 individuals within PHAC.
The agency emphasizes that these measures are taken with careful consideration, aiming to refocus on sustainability and public health impact moving forward. PHAC played a crucial role in federal messaging and coordination during the pandemic. Before 2020, the agency employed more than 2,300 staff members, a number that surged to over 4,200 employees by 2022.
Contrary to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s public sector spending reduction plans leading up to the fall budget, the recent job cuts at PHAC are unrelated, clarified the agency’s spokesperson. Carney had previously urged federal ministers to propose substantial savings initiatives for the departments and programs they oversee.
As Carney’s cabinet convenes in the GTA this week ahead of Parliament’s reconvening later this month, discussions on the upcoming federal budget are anticipated. The budget, postponed after the federal election, is scheduled for release in October. Carney, during his election campaign, committed to balancing the operating budget within three years, increasing defence spending significantly, and prioritizing major project investments.
Carney views the impending budget as a blend of austerity and investment, achievable through disciplined financial management.