Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%

What’s going on at IRCC?

Canada’s immigration department is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce by approximately 25 per cent, or 3,300 jobs, over the next three years.

“It’s clear our department will be smaller in the future. We’ve been working under an ever-increasing budget and need to learn to live within a defined — and reduced — budget moving forward,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a recent memo to staff.

Around 20 per cent of the job cuts will affect permanent employees. Notices will begin to go out in mid-February.

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Union reaction

The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union are urging the government to trim outside contracting instead of downsizing staff.

“Families longing to reunite, businesses grappling with critical labour shortages and a healthcare system desperate for skilled workers will all suffer the consequences of this reckless decision,” Rubina Boucher, national president of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union, said in a statement.

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Next steps for IRCC employees

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

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 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 two 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.

New year, more job cuts

IRCC isn’t the only major employer scaling back their staffing levels to kick off 2025.

Big names, including BP, Microsoft, Meta, Hudson’s Bay and Wayfair, have also pulled out the axe.

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• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-time insights on your rights

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re a non-unionized employee at IRCC that was fired or let go for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia have helped tens of thousands of 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.