Library and Archives Canada cutting 70 jobs as part of workforce adjustment

The Library and Archives Canada building is pictured in Ottawa on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) confirms it is cutting jobs as federal agencies seek to find savings.

The federal institution charged with preserving historical documents and artifacts told CTV News Ottawa in a statement a workforce adjustment (WFA) process will result in the loss of approximately 70 indeterminate positions over the next several months.

The news follows word that the Public Health Agency of Canada is cutting 320 jobs as part of a “post pandemic calibration.” Finance Minister François Philippe Champagne acknowledged Thursday that “adjustments” are coming to the public service as the federal government looks to trim its spending in the fall budget.

According to the Treasury Board Secretariat, Library and Archives Canada had just under 1,200 employees in 2024.

No anticipated impacts on downtown library

An LAC spokesperson said the federal government’s comprehensive expenditure review, which seeks to find up to $25 billion in savings over the next three years, would not affect the planned opening of the library project at LeBreton Flats.

“The Comprehensive Expenditure Review, launched in July 2025 by the Government of Canada, is a separate process that may bring additional changes. Construction is progressing at Ādisōke and the potential changes will not affect the opening anticipated for 2026,” a statement said.

The new library, named Ādisōke, is a joint project between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. The City of Ottawa is spending $201 million on the new library, while Library and Archives Canada has committed $132.7 million.

The 216,000 sq. ft., five-floor facility includes a large atrium with performance and exhibition spaces and is slated to open by next summer.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle and the Canadian Press

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