More than 3,000 jobs to be cut from IRCC says union

The union representing employees at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says 3,300 jobs will soon be cut from the department.

These workers process applications for citizenship, permanent and temporary residency and passports, as well as conducting interviews, “ensuring Canada can attract the talent needed to strengthen our economy,” the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) said in a statement Monday.

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The CEIU represents more than 7,000 workers at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as employees at Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Immigration and Refugee Board.

“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,” the statement reads.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not immediately comment.

“Last month, immigration processing wait times continued to reach record-breaking backlog levels, and these cuts will only worsen an already dire situation,” Rubina Boucher, CEIU National President, said in a press statement. “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.”

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In November 2024, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said the Liberal government was looking to reduce spending by cutting term and casual employees, with layoffs also extending to permanent employees.

Earlier in 2024, the federal government announced it would seek to cut the size of the public service by 5,000 full-time positions primarily through natural attrition over the course of four years, as part of an effort to save $15.8 billion over five years and reallocate it elsewhere.

The union’s statement said CEIU and PSAC urge 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.”

Immigration minister Mark Miller had previously announced drastic cuts to targets for permanent residents admitted to Canada over the next two years, as well as tighter rules around worker permits. He also said further reforms to Canada’s immigration and refugee system were necessary.

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