In response to the U.S. tariffs, the federal government has announced $6 billion in aid for businesses and loosening some employment insurance (EI) requirements for workers seeing fewer work hours. These programs are another example of the crucial public services that PSAC members deliver every day.  

Public service workers will continue to deliver the supports that people in Canada need, but we must ensure that we have enough workers to efficiently process the influx of EI and work-sharing applications that will come from these initiatives. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) cannot proceed with planned reductions to public service positions while workers across the country will be counting on them to deliver financial relief when they need it most.  

When people in Canada face crises, public service workers step up to make sure that aid reaches those that need it. We saw this with COVID-19, when public service workers worked around the clock to deliver financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of workers that lost work.  

Whether you’re a worker seeing fewer hours or a business trying to stay afloat, public service workers are ready to keep delivering the financial relief you need. Funding public services and ensuring adequate staffing is the best way to ensure that these supports make it to you when you need them.  

We’re in this together. We’re here for you, Canada.