PSAC applauds measures to improve federal workplaces and strengthen public services in the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement released December 17. However, PSAC is raising concerns about further job cuts in the public service and a lack of investment in addressing racism and discrimination and providing justice for workers.

Equitable retirement for frontline workers

PSAC is pleased that the government is fulfilling its commitment to frontline federal workers by allocating funds to expand early retirement benefits.

Once the necessary legislation is tabled and passed, this will mean frontline workers can retire with dignity after 25 years of service – without any penalties.

These changes will make a real difference for frontline Border Services Officers, Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, Parks Canada wildland firefighters, DND firefighters on military bases, and correctional officers, paramedics, and firefighters in the territories.

Over the coming months, PSAC will continue to advocate for a broader scope in the list of job classifications included in the legislation, while working with the government and all political parties to ensure pension legislation is tabled and amended quickly.

Border Security

PSAC will closely monitor how the $1.3 billion package for border security, with funding allocated to various agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is distributed. It is crucial this government addresses the critical shortage of frontline border services officers.

A properly staffed border is a secure border and investments in RCMP drones and helicopters only go so far. Technology must support, and not replace, the officers who are best placed to find and interdict dangerous goods and control cross-border movements.    

Supporting Personal Support Workers

We are encouraged to see that Health Canada took our advice about providing a tax credit for public service workers that doesn't rely on the whims of provinces and territories. PSAC represents thousands of frontline workers in Canada’s health care systems who will benefit from the new refundable tax credit. This measure fulfills a commitment made in the 2023 federal budget to provide wage incentives to encourage recruitment and retention. 

Insufficient supports for Black workers

PSAC remains committed to achieving justice for Black public service workers. Added funding for the School of Public Service, part of the Black Justice Strategy, is a positive step toward promoting cultural change in the federal public service. However, it is not enough and fails to address the critical needs outlined by the Black Class Action Secretariat.

AI strategy for the public service

A strategic review on the use of artificial intelligence in the public service is overdue, but its tight timeline for completion by spring raises concerns that the analysis will be superficial or that decisions have already been made.

PSAC remains committed to ensuring strong protections against AI’s potential drawbacks, with a focus on consultation, oversight, and maintaining fair working conditions for our members, while improving public services overall.

Possible privatization

A reference to exploring potential changes to airport authority ground leases raises the potential for the privatization of Canada’s airports. When governments contract out public sector work to private companies, profits take priority over services, and everyone, except the corporate shareholders, ends up paying the price. PSAC will be monitoring this closely.

Refocusing Government Spending Initiative

The Fall Economic Statement confirms the government plans to cut costs across the public service.

On the same day the government chose to highlight increased measures to counter tax cheating and avoidance, hundreds of CRA workers specializing in this work are facing job cuts. Government savings should not fall on the backs of workers and the services and value they deliver.

PSAC will be fighting back against these cuts and defending our members’ rights in the workplace.