Public Health Agency of Canada cutting hundreds of jobs

The federal finance minister says “adjustments” are coming to the federal public service as the government trims spending. CTV’s Kimberley Fowler reports.

Approximately 320 jobs will be cut at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as part of a “post pandemic calibration” at the federal department.

The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed to CTV News Ottawa a review of programs will result in job cuts to align department spending with approved funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

“As part of PHAC’s post-pandemic recalibration and ongoing efforts to adjust to new salary allocations, the agency must focus resources on government-funded priorities. This means re-prioritizing and streamlining some programs, and in some cases discontinuing work,” a PHAC spokesperson said in an email.

“As a result of this assessment, the agency will implement Workforce Adjustment (WFA) measures to align with approved funding levels for fiscal year 2026–27.”

The spokesperson said while the exact number of job cuts cannot be confirmed at this time, the workforce adjustment is expected to result in approximately 320 job cuts.

“No decisions are being made lightly. PHAC’s goal is to move forward with a renewed focus on sustainability and public health impact,” the PHAC statement said.

“Throughout this process, the agency remains committed to preserving a diverse and representative workforce underpinned by scientific excellence and integrity.“

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s website says the department’s mandate focuses on “protecting against threats to public health, preventing and reducing diseases and injury, and promoting health, well-being and equity.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada has offices on Colonnade Road in Ottawa and in Winnipeg.

According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 3,372 people were employed at the Public Health Agency of Canada in March 2025, down from 4,251 in March 2024. There were 2,340 people employed at the agency in March 2020.

The PHAC spokesperson says the job cuts are not part of the federal government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review, which asked departments to find up to 15 per cent savings over three years. The government is aiming to find $25 billion in savings.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) said these cuts could have serious consequences.

“Eliminating public health positions while Canada’s healthcare system is already stretched to the breaking point leaves Canada dangerously unprepared for the next health crisis and puts lives at risk,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “These cuts will pile even more pressure onto the system, while stripping away vital programs that millions benefit from — from Lyme disease research and vaccination programs, to suicide crisis hotlines and chronic disease prevention.”

News of the layoffs at the Public Health Agency of Canada comes the same day Finance Minister Francois Philippe Champagne said “adjustments” are coming to the public service as the federal government looks to cut spending.

“I think a leaner and more efficient government to provide services to Canadians, that is needed as you’re looking to rebuild this nation,” Champagne told reporters in Toronto.

Champagne insisted the spending adjustment will not affect services to Canadians.

With files from The Canadian Press