Statistics Canada seeks to cut about 850 unionized jobs and 12% of executive ranks

Statistics Canada plans to reduce its workforce by about 850 unionized positions and cut roughly 12% of its executive team; workforce adjustment letters will begin being sent this week and affected employees are to be notified over the next two weeks.

Statistics Canada is announcing workforce reductions as departments begin to implement the federal budget's plan to shrink the public service. The changes follow the Nov. 4 budget, which set a broader target to reduce the core public service over the coming years. Union leaders were given advance notice that workforce adjustment letters would start this week at Statistics Canada and Shared Services Canada. Statistics Canada said it would notify affected employees in the coming days. Key details: - Statistics Canada said the adjustment will reduce its workforce by approximately 850 positions and cut about 12 per cent of its executive team. - Workforce adjustment letters are scheduled to start being sent this week at Statistics Canada and Shared Services Canada, according to union briefings. - A Statistics Canada spokesperson said affected employees will be notified over the next two weeks. - The Nov. 4 federal budget announced a plan to reduce the size of the public service by about 30,000 people over five years, in addition to a recent reduction of about 10,000 jobs. Summary: Departments are beginning to roll out changes tied to the federal budget that aim to shrink the public service. Statistics Canada has said it will cut about 850 unionized roles and reduce its executive ranks by roughly 12 per cent, and that notifications to affected staff will take place over the next two weeks. Undetermined at this time.