More than 200 PSAC members at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) received notices this week warning they may lose their jobs as the federal government pushes ahead with its plan to slash critical public services and cut another 30,000 federal public service workers over the next three years. 

PSAC, along with component unions the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) and Union of Health and Environment Workers (UHEW), are raising the alarm that the loss of 219 workers at NRCan could severely weaken Canada’s ability to manage our energy and natural resources responsibly. 

“Cuts are already hurting Canada’s most vulnerable populations, and now our environmental protections will pay the price too,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. “You don't build a stronger Canada by gutting the programs that protect us.” 

Environmental protections on the line 

The government has not released the full details about which Natural Resources programs will be affected, but the workers now facing job loss support essential research and fieldwork that safeguard Canada’s natural environment. They transport researchers, operate technical systems, collect and process data, and help Canada meet international commitments related to environmental protections. 

Along with standing up for the value of the services its members provide, UCTE is also concerned about the human impact. "Workers and families are already in tight financial straits,” says Teresa Eschuk, UCTE national president. “Suddenly many of our members are thrown deeper into uncertainty and faced with the stressful workforce adjustment process.” 

While this government claims they remain committed to climate action, this year’s budget cut programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Two Billion Trees initiative. These new layoffs will further diminish the federal government’s capacity to research, monitor, and respond to climate change. 

“These cuts strip away science-based expertise on climate change, forest fires, and sustainable resource management,” said Shimen Fayad, UHEW national president. “Canada’s climate — and future generations — will feel the impact.” 

More cuts announced this week 

This week alone, hundreds of other PSAC members received notices that their jobs may be affected.  

In addition to the 219 members at NRC, notices were also issued across several other departments: 92 members at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, whose work supports treaty implementation, land and resource management, and environmental assessments; and 74 members at the Department of Finance. 

Additionally, ESDC released communication about the department's plans around Budget 2025. As part of that communication, they announced that workforce adjustment will be starting in the new year. At this point, we do not know how many positions or who will be affected, only that announcements will come in January.

Over the past year alone, 10,000 federal public service jobs have already been eliminated. Fewer workers means longer wait times for passports, employment insurance, childcare and pension benefits, and tax returns. Job cuts also threaten Canada’s economic growth by reducing staff who process patents and manage Canada’s supply chain.