Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced it will be cutting 3,300 jobs over the next three years, a decision described by unions as a devastating blow to public services across the country.
According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU), these reductions will impact workers who process citizenship applications, issue passports, and conduct interviews—all roles deemed integral to maintaining Canada's immigration framework.
Union representatives have expressed their concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the cuts. \"IRCC's announcement provided no clear details about who this drastic workforce reduction will impact,\" said Rubina Boucher, CEIU National President, emphasizing the uncertainty it has created among the staff. \"This only adds to the stress of employees who are already delivering important public services.\"
While specific positions affected have not been detailed, it is noted by the IRCC memo obtained by The Globe and Mail, around 20 percent of these cuts will involve full-time, permanent staff. The memo also indicated layoffs will begin as early as mid-February, leaving many workers anxious about their job security.
Last month, amid record-breaking immigration processing times, Boucher lamented the timing of such cuts: \"These job reductions will only worsen the already dire situation, impacting families longing to reunite, businesses dealing with labor shortages, and our healthcare system desperate for skilled workers.\"
According to the unions, the decision is influenced by the federal government's budget constraints, aiming to save $15 billion over four years, as indicated by the recent 2023 budget. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration has already set forth plans to downsize public services as part of broader fiscal adjustments.
The unions have also pointed to previous instances of budget cuts, noting significant layoffs at organizations such as the Canada Revenue Agency, where 600 contract employees lost their jobs last November. They urge the government to reconsider its strategy, proposing instead the replacement of expensive outsourcing contracts with internal talent to fortify Canada’s immigration system.
Mark Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, has previously hinted at the government's intent to enforce stricter rules around immigration to cope with changing public sentiment amid issues like housing and cost of living concerns. This has included reductions to the target numbers for permanent residents entering Canada over the next two years.
The looming cuts come at a time when IRCC is grappling with record backlogs—over two million applications are currently pending, with nearly half of these exceeding the government's processing standards. This mountain of paperwork continues to affect families eager to reunite, businesses seeking skilled labor, and the healthcare system's demand for qualified professionals.
Jessica Kingsbury, spokesperson for the IRCC, stated the department remains committed to its immigration goals even as budget priorities shift. \"We will continue to identify opportunities to streamline our work and invest strategically to maintain border security and enforce immigration laws.\"
The latest announcement has prompted responses from multiple fronts, including Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, urging the government to slow the cuts until clearer guidance from Parliament can be established, citing concerns over international relations and national security.
With IRCC's position within the federal structure expected to shrink substantially over the coming years, many observers are questioning the long-term effects of these cuts on Canada's immigration processes and public service integrity.
Overall, as the government navigates fiscal challenges, the unions are advocating for alternatives to across-the-board layoffs, stressing the need for thoughtful solutions to reinforce public trust and reliability within Canada's immigration systems.