Saturday, May 9, 2026
ADVT 
National

Almost 10,000 federal workers were told this week they may be laid off: unions

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Jan, 2026 11:33 AM
  • Almost 10,000 federal workers were told this week they may be laid off: unions

Almost 10,000 federal public servants have received notices in the past week warning them that their jobs may be cut, say the unions representing them.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says more than 5,000 of its members received what are called "workforce adjustment notices" this week.

They include staff working at Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada.

Workforce adjustment notices tell employees their jobs may be affected by cuts, but it's still not clear how many of those who received notices will ultimately be laid off.

The Canadian Association of Professional Employees says roughly 2,550 of its members received notices this week, including 534 employees at Employment and Social Development of Canada and 103 people at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada says more than 2,700 of its members received notices this week.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. budget to buffer province against Trump's 'uncertainty and disorder': minister

B.C. budget to buffer province against Trump's 'uncertainty and disorder': minister
Brenda Bailey's budget is being handed down on the same day that Trump says a 25 per cent U.S. tariff will be placed on Canadian goods, while Canadian energy will face 10 per cent tariffs. Bailey says Trump's tariffs came "completely out of nowhere" when he announced them last November and they've already changed B.C.'s financial circumstances.

B.C. budget to buffer province against Trump's 'uncertainty and disorder': minister

Poilievre says Canadian counter-tariffs should go to fund tax cuts

Poilievre says Canadian counter-tariffs should go to fund tax cuts
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada needs to retaliate against American tariffs by targeting U.S. goods Canada can make, does not need or can obtain elsewhere. Poilievre says Canada needs to cut taxes to counteract the domestic impact of tariffs and points to the carbon price, the capital gains tax and income tax.

Poilievre says Canadian counter-tariffs should go to fund tax cuts

Canadians say they will stop buying U.S. products as Trump’s tariffs take effect

Canadians say they will stop buying U.S. products as Trump’s tariffs take effect
Canadians say they are ready to use their wallets to fight the trade war with the United States, which began today as President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods. Haligonians interviewed today said they are focused on buying Canadian whenever possible, and many said they had already stopped purchasing American products, as Trump had been threatening tariffs for months.

Canadians say they will stop buying U.S. products as Trump’s tariffs take effect

How Canadians are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs

How Canadians are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs
Canada is immediately imposing 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products, and will expand that to cover another $125 billion in U.S. goods in 21 days. Here’s how political, business and union leaders reacted Tuesday.

How Canadians are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs

The trade war is on between Canada and the U.S. Here's what you need to know

The trade war is on between Canada and the U.S. Here's what you need to know
A trade war between Canada and its largest trading partner has begun, with tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump now in effect and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responding with a package of retaliatory tariffs. Stocks are tumbling, businesses are warning of impending layoffs and further measures from both countries are likely in the coming days.

The trade war is on between Canada and the U.S. Here's what you need to know

Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute as Trump launches trade war

Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute as Trump launches trade war
Canada has responded with retaliatory tariffs, and markets are falling as investors brace for the economic impact that the duties will have on economies on both sides of the border.  Canadians confused about Trump's plans aren't alone, with the U.S. president at times contradicting himself about his own tariff plans.

Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute as Trump launches trade war