Significant job cuts to immigration harm public

The announcement of 3,300 job cuts at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a devastating blow to the public services that families, businesses and communities rely on.

 

IRCC’s announcement provided no clear details about who this drastic workforce reduction will impact, stating only that further information would follow in mid-February, effectively leaving thousands of Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) members in a climate of uncertainty while they deliver critical public services.

 

IRCC workers are essential in processing citizenship, permanent and temporary residency applications, passports, conducting interviews, and ensuring Canada can attract the talent needed to strengthen our economy.

 

“Last month, immigration processing wait times continued to reach record-breaking backlog levels, and these cuts will only worsen an already dire situation,” said Rubina Boucher, CEIU National President. “Families longing to reunite, businesses grappling with critical labour shortages, communities struggling with housing that needs builders, and a healthcare system desperate for skilled workers will all suffer the consequences of this decision.”

CEIU communicated with members in IRCC directly about this devastating news and have also provided union locals and staff across the country with educational resources on the federal workforce adjustment process and how to support members.

 

CEIU and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) are urging the government to collaborate on real solutions, such as replacing expensive outsourcing contracts with in-house expertise to build a stronger immigration system that supports Canada’s future.

 

The Canada Employment and Immigration Union is a component union of Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing 35,000 workers at Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).