Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized the need for a more sustainable size of the public service just days before the upcoming federal budget announcement. He highlighted the inclusion of funding for women and 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the budget during a recent press conference.
Champagne acknowledged the necessity of tough decisions in the expenditure review process, indicating potential workforce adjustments to enhance efficiency through process improvements, program consolidation, and technology upgrades. He stressed the unsustainability of the current size of the civil service, emphasizing the importance of returning to a more manageable level.
When questioned about meeting spending reduction targets solely through attrition, Champagne reiterated the need for scaling back the civil service to a sustainable level, considering the pre-COVID-19 staffing levels. He assured a compassionate approach to any necessary changes.
According to data from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the federal government workforce numbered 287,983 in 2019, exceeding 300,000 in 2020, and reaching 367,772 in the latest available data. The minister’s statements suggest a forthcoming shift in the size and structure of the public service.