Today’s announcement of 3,300 job cuts at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a devastating blow to the public services families, businesses, and communities in Canada rely on, warns the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and its component union, the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU). 

IRCC’s shocking announcement provided no clear details about who will be affected by these significant cuts, stating only that further information would follow in mid-February. 

“These massive cuts will hurt families and businesses who rely on these critical public services and make a growing immigration crisis even worse, said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Sweeping public service cuts always hurt Canada’s most vulnerable populations and leave thousands of workers in limbo, unsure if they’ll be out of a job next month.” 

IRCC workers are essential in processing citizenship, permanent and residency applications, passports, conducting interviews, and ensuring Canada can attract the talent needed to strengthen our economy.  

“Last month, immigration processing wait times continued to reach record-breaking backlog levels, and these cuts will only worsen an already dire situation,” said Rubina Boucher, CEIU National President. “Families longing to reunite, businesses grappling with critical labour shortages and a healthcare system desperate for skilled workers will all suffer the consequences of this reckless decision.” 

PSAC and CEIU are urging the government to collaborate on real solutions, such as replacing expensive outsourcing contracts with in-house expertise to build a stronger immigration system that supports Canada’s future.  

The cuts are the latest in a troubling series of workforce reductions as part of the government’s Refocusing Government Spending Initiative. The 2023 budget outlined $15 billion in cuts to programs and services over the next four years, with another $3 billion in spending reductions announced in last year’s Fall Economic Statement.  

The newly announced cuts at IRCC are the most significant so far, but more are expected as federal departments are being asked to find savings across the board. In November, the Canada Revenue Agency announced significant budget restrictions with 600 contract workers being prematurely terminated. 

“Protecting core public services needs to be a priority for this government, and any party who hopes to lead this country in the next election,” added DeSousa. “Cutting services isn’t just bad for workers, it impacts everyone in Canada who depends on services day to day.”