Expanding AI in government operations, modernizing Service Canada sites among feds’ fiscal update’s public service-related measures
The Dec. 16 fall economic update offers no further details on planned savings tied to ‘natural attrition’ in the 2024 federal budget, but noted that effort ‘will begin showing results in 2025-26.’
Always leave them wanting more: Fraser tops All Politics Poll as he looks to exit federal politics
The results of The Hill Times’ 2024 year-end poll are in. Liberal MP Sean Fraser scores a hat trick and takes the ‘Most Valuable Politician’ title for the second year in a row, while Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre divides respondents.
‘Enough is enough’: Black federal civil servants, unions accuse Liberals of ‘wasting’ time on tackling anti-Black racism
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said the call to designate Black people as a distinctive class under the Employment Equity Act is ‘under active consideration.’
Some departments ‘stopping the clock’ to prevent contract workers from becoming permanent public service staff
Treasury Board President Anita Anand says she’s currently reviewing spending plans from her cabinet colleagues. But NDP MP Rachel Blaney said it’s ‘really important’ to know who is issuing directives to ‘stop the clock.’
DND and CAF ‘exempt’ from further spending cuts, says Blair after department was asked to find $900-million a year in savings
Feds looking to find $15.8-billion in savings through ‘Refocus Government Spending’ initiative as pressure mounts for Canada to boost defence spending.
House filibuster is putting money for military, dental care, and keeping the government lights on at risk
Treasury Board President Anita Anand says departments are ‘okay for the next three to four weeks’ if a vote on supplementary estimates is delayed by the House standoff.
Billions from public-service pension plan surplus gives Liberals many options
The government could use the extra dollars to cut the deficit, sweeten departures, improve pensions, or take a contribution holiday and give one to public servants, too.
New government spending request will be snared in parliamentary gridlock while privilege debate persists
The Liberals can carry on without a supply bill for a few months, but responding to new pressures will be ‘trickier,’ says PBO Yves Giroux. If the gridlock persists to spring, government will come to ‘a screeching halt.’
Unions warn non-permanent public servants will be first on chopping block as feds look to cut costs
Treasury Board President Anita Anand’s office says the feds have been clear with departments that they must ‘focus on finding savings without layoffs.’
Public service job cuts loom as Ottawa misses spending and deficit targets
Unions were told last week that job cuts may go beyond attrition after a decade-long hiring spree.
