As the Carney government rushes ahead with mass public service cuts, PSAC is again raising the alarm about the impact cuts and subsequent job losses will have on the ability of the federal government to deliver critical services.  

“The rate of workforce adjustment notices has increased dramatically over the past several weeks, causing widespread concern and anxiety among public sector workers,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. “The government still has not explained what programs will be impacted by these cuts, or how they will affect the supports that people in Canada rely on. This should concern everyone in Canada, not just those whose jobs are on the line.” 

Since January 7, 2026, over 8,000 PSAC members have received notice that their jobs are at risk, with significant impacts at Health Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Global Affairs Canada, and Transport Canada.  

Job cuts to departments like these threaten to slow service delivery, increase wait times for crucial benefits, reduce oversight and administrative capacity, disrupt critical research that informs policy making, and impact critical government operations. The impact of these cuts will be felt across the country, particularly by the more marginalized in our communities who depend on these essential services to be there when they need them. 

“People are scared. They’re stressed. They’re wondering if they’ll still have a job in a few months. No one should have to live with that kind of uncertainty,” said Alex Silas, PSAC national executive vice-president. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. These are parents, caregivers, renters, homeowners — people with real lives, real responsibilities, and real bills to pay, and they deserve to be treated better by the federal government.”   

PSAC continues to call on the federal government to reverse these reckless public service cuts and to work with public sector unions to find ways to reduce costs without placing jobs and services at risk.