PSAC wants transparency as CFIA becomes latest department to make cuts

Employees at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were informed this week about job cuts planned to reduce federal government spending.

Multiple reports indicate the CFIA plans to cut 587 positions, with 1,371 positions to be affected by what are called "employment transition measures" The CFIA's total workforce is nearly 6,400.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says CFIA staffing has declined three percent in the last decade, compared to the overall 30 percent rise in the federal public service. It adds the job cuts will increase food safety risks.

During a news conference Wednesday, Sharon DeSousa, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), called for full transparency as to how the cuts will affect members.

"What I see is these notifications that just tell me 15 people here or a hundred people here or 350 here - it doesn't give us the full story as to where the cuts are and what will happen to these departments and agencies because the work doesn't go away, someone has to do it. So, the question is what is their plan? Is it contracting out? Is it privatization? Because at the end of the day people will be put at risk if that work is not done."

DeSousa says the process is impacting worker morale.

"Right now there's a lot of chaos because they don't know specifically what programs are being affected. They just know their position may be affected and the expectation is that they continue to show up to work and work effectively. Their mental health has been impacted and the lack of information is what's really impacting them."

The confirmation of cuts within the CFIA comes days after the federal government informed Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada staff of plans to reduce the department's workforce by 665 position and close seven agricultural research facilities.