Civil service anxiety over looming job cuts

The B.C. government announced plans to cut 15,000 public‑sector full‑time positions over three years to address a projected $13‑billion deficit, and union leaders say the lack of detail is creating anxiety among civil service employees.

The provincial government announced a plan to reduce 15,000 full‑time public‑sector positions over the next three years as part of efforts to address a projected $13‑billion deficit and broader debt. The package reported 2,500 cuts in the core civil service and 12,500 across Crown corporations, school districts, health authorities and post‑secondary institutions. Deputy minister Shannon Salter told employees the reductions will mainly be managed through attrition, voluntary departures, early retirement and voluntary severance incentives. Union leaders representing public‑sector workers have said the lack of detailed information is creating anxiety among staff. Key points: - The government announced a plan to cut 15,000 full‑time public‑sector positions over three years to reduce a reported $13‑billion deficit. - The reductions are reported to include 2,500 core civil service roles and 12,500 broader public‑sector positions. - Officials said the changes will be achieved largely through attrition, voluntary departures, early retirement and voluntary severance incentives, and that more program details will be shared once finalized. - The province will continue a hiring freeze with exemptions for positions required to maintain public safety, meet legal obligations, or support certain internship programs; decisions to refill vacancies will require executive approval and alignment with service priorities. Summary: The announcement has prompted anxiety among civil service employees and comments from unions about pressure on front‑line services. Officials say further details on voluntary early‑retirement incentives and staffing procedures will be released once programs are finalized, and ministries will review expenditures and set targets to reduce executive roles. Undetermined at this time.