CRA cutting dozens of Ottawa-area jobs in 2025, offering voluntary buyouts

What’s going on at the CRA?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is cutting approximately 280 jobs — mostly affecting staff in Ottawa and surrounding areas.

“The CRA, just like any other government-funded institution, must operate within its budget,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the Ottawa Citizen.

“The financial challenges facing the CRA have been driven by the end of temporary program funding, government-wide savings initiatives and a shift in operational pressures. This is an agency-led decision driven by fiscal responsibility.”

Affected employees have been notified. The spokesperson added that the agency plans to offer voluntary severance packages.

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Major employers slashing staff

The latest workforce reduction at the CRA comes amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including Microsoft, Chegg, GroupM, OpenText, Meta, CrowdStrike, Expedia Group, Morningstar, Cenovus Energy, Intel, Infosys, Google, Alstom, Siemens, HPE, and Wayfair, have also pulled out the axe.

SEE ALSO
• Rennie cuts 25% of staff amid real estate downturn
• Estée Lauder reportedly cut all Canadian staff in Hudson’s Bay stores
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

While it remains unclear if the move will affect both unionized and non-unionized workers at the CRA, it’s crucial for non-unionized individuals to understand their rights when they’re fired or let go.

Should I accept a voluntary severance package?

Non-unionized employees in Canada shouldn’t accept a voluntary severance package before speaking with an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (B.C.).

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for federally regulated employees
• Do I have to look for a new job after being fired?
• Can I get my job back if I’m fired?
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-time insights on your rights

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru breaks down everything you need to know about severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re affected by the latest workforce reduction at the CRA, contact the experienced Ottawa employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our Ontario team has successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals across the province.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you’re a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.

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.