Public Health Agency of Canada “Recalibrating” Workforce, Slashing 10% of Staff

What’s Happening at PHAC?

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is planning to eliminate approximately 10% of its workforce as part of its “post-pandemic recalibration.”

“[PHAC] must focus resources on government-funded priorities. This means re-prioritizing and streamlining some programs, and in some cases discontinuing work,” spokesperson Mark Johnson told BlogTO in an email.

Johnson added that the agency expects the restructuring to result in roughly 320 full-time positions being cut to align with funding levels for fiscal year 2026-2027.

It remains unclear if both unionized and non-unionized employees will be let go.

• SEE ALSO: Layoffs in Canada: Which Employers are Slashing Staff?

Next Steps for Non-Union PHAC Staff

If you’re fired or let go from PHAC, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC).

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Lost Your Job? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at PHAC for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is here for you.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and BC have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.