Public Health Agency of Canada slashing workforce with hundreds of layoffs

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says it plans to cut 10 per cent of its workforce as part of its "post-pandemic recalibration."

In an email statement shared on Thursday, PHAC spokesperson Mark Johnson confirmed that the government agency will implement Workforce Adjustment measures to align with its approved funding for fiscal year 2026-2027.

"The agency must focus resources on government-funded priorities. This means re-prioritizing and streamlining some programs, and in some cases discontinuing work," he states.

Johnson says Canada's public health agency can't confirm the exact number of layoffs at this time, but it expects that this process will result in approximately 320 full-time positions being cut to align with funding levels for fiscal year 2026-2027.

"This process is separate from the government-wide Comprehensive Expenditure Review process, which was announced earlier this year," he notes.

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne revealed the cost-cutting plan in letters sent to several ministers in July. He asked a majority of government departments to decrease spending on federal programs by 7.5 per cent next spring, 10 per cent the year after, and 15 per cent by 2028.

Some departments have been spared from possible layoffs, including those that are getting a boost in spending. A report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives detailed that the cost cuts would hit public service jobs the hardest.

"No decisions are being made lightly. PHAC's goal is to move forward with a renewed focus on sustainability and public health impact," states Johnson. "Throughout this process, the Agency remains committed to preserving a diverse and representative workforce underpinned by scientific excellence and integrity."

PHAC focuses on protecting Canadians against threats to public health, preventing and reducing diseases and injury, and promoting health, well-being and equity.

According to the latest numbers in 2025, the agency has 3,372 employees.