10.43°C Vancouver

Jan 21, 2025 5:03 PM - The Canadian Press

Canada’s Immigration Department Announces Plan to Cut 3,300 Jobs

Share On
federal-immigration-department-to-cut-more-than-3-300-jobs-unions-say
The unions say more information is expected in mid-February but that the cuts were brought up in a union-management meeting before staff were notified.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to cut approximately 3,300 jobs over the next three years, representing about a quarter of its workforce. The department says the move is aimed at reducing costs to align with lower immigration levels and returning staff numbers to pre-COVID levels.

On Monday, the department informed employees via email about the budget cuts and their potential impact on staff. However, it remains unclear which employees will be affected. Notifications to impacted employees are expected to begin in mid-February.

IRCC also stated that some fixed-term contracts may be terminated early, with affected employees receiving at least 30 days’ notice. According to the Treasury Board, IRCC had 13,100 employees as of March 2024. A 25% reduction would bring staffing levels closer to those of 2021.

Latest news

carney-signals-controlled-increase-in-immigration
CanadaSep 29, 2026

Carney Signals Controlled Increase in Immigration

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signalled that Canada could begin a controlled increase in immigration after bringing the country’s immigration system back under control. In another part of an interview with a private broadcaster, Carney said the immigration system is now under control and that the next question is how to begin a controlled increase in the country’s population. His comments come exactly one month before the government is expected to announce its immigration targets for the next three years. The previous three federal immigration plans focused on reducing the number of newco
calgary-chamber-warns-of-economic-fallout-from-alberta-split
AlbertaSep 29, 2026

Calgary Chamber Warns of Economic Fallout From Alberta Split

A report commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warns of significant economic consequences if Alberta were to separate from Canada. The study, led by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, estimates that trade costs could increase by 5% to 8%, potentially resulting in 44,000 to 69,000 fewer jobs in Calgary compared with remaining in Canada. The report notes that Alberta is Canada’s most trade-exposed jurisdiction, making the province particularly vulnerable to higher trade costs. The report comes three weeks before Albertans vote on 10 referendum questions, including one on
CanadaSep 29, 2026

RCMP Charges 16 in Major Quebec Cocaine Trafficking Investigation

The RCMP in Quebec has charged 16 people following an investigation into a major cocaine trafficking network allegedly operating in the province. Police said the operation, known as Project Chrome, began in 2022 with significant assistance from the Canada Revenue Agency. Investigators allege the organization operated an illegal gaming house in Montreal and used proceeds from drug trafficking to renovate properties linked to the group and launder money. During searches, police seized 14 kilograms of cocaine, more than $145,000 in cash and assets valued at over $9 million. According to details r
BCSep 29, 2026

Langley Shooting Leaves One Person Injured, Police Investigating

Langley RCMP are investigating a shooting in which one person was injured in the Brookswood area. Police said the incident occurred early Monday morning in the 3000-block of 205 Street. Langley RCMP officers and BC Emergency Health Services personnel responded shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and transported the injured person to hospital. According to Sgt. Zanel Sharoum, investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident based on preliminary findings. Police are speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation. The victim's identity has not bee
b-c-conservatives-accuse-eby-of-breaking-1-000-grocery-rebate-promise
BCSep 29, 2026

B.C. Conservatives Accuse Eby of Breaking $1,000 Grocery Rebate Promise

The B.C. Conservatives have launched an attack on the B.C. NDP and Leader David Eby during the provincial election campaign, accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing failed economic policies. The Conservatives claim that exactly two years ago, the B.C. NDP promised to provide every family in British Columbia with a $1,000 grocery rebate but abandoned the commitment after winning the election. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson questioned how voters could trust the NDP after the alleged broken promise, arguing that the province needs a change in government. Doerkson also cr

Related News