Ottawa MP Mona Fortier says she has no new information to share regarding a promised "transition plan" for public servants facing layoffs, even as the federal government begins notifying thousands of workers in the National Capital Region that their positions are at risk.
Promised Plan Lacks Details as Notifications Go Out
In November 2023, Fortier, the Liberal MP for Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, told reporters that the National Capital Region Liberal caucus was developing a plan to help bureaucrats affected by the government's proposal to reduce the public service by approximately 30,000 positions over three years. She indicated she was meeting with the Treasury Board president to discuss ensuring affected workers could either find another job or receive a severance package.
However, when asked for an update in mid-January 2024, as letters informing employees of potential cuts were being distributed, Fortier's office had no timeline or specific details to provide. Her communications director stated the MP had nothing to add, as she had not received an update from the Treasury Board.
Treasury Board Points to Existing Programs
When questioned directly about the existence or development of a new transition plan, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat did not confirm its creation. Instead, spokesperson Barb Couperus directed inquiries to the government's pre-existing processes: the workforce adjustment system and career transition services, as well as the early retirement incentive program.
The workforce adjustment process, established in collective agreements after a 1991 national strike, is designed to offer alternative employment to permanent government workers whose positions are eliminated. A second Treasury Board spokesperson, Rola Salem, later stated plainly, "The information we provided you is all that is available."
Mounting Uncertainty for Capital Region Workers
The lack of new information from the MP or the Treasury Board comes at a time of significant anxiety for public servants in Ottawa and Gatineau. The proposed cuts represent a major reduction in the federal workforce, with a direct impact on the economy of the National Capital Region.
Fortier had previously mentioned speaking with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe about collaborating with the city on a support plan. Meanwhile, communications staff for Gatineau MP Steven MacKinnon also referred questions about the plan back to the Treasury Board, highlighting the current information vacuum surrounding additional support for displaced workers.
