The Liberal government just broke their first promise to federal public servants – and PIPSC is going to the wall to defend what matters.
Following up on President Sean O'Reilly's email to members last Friday, PIPSC's Board of Directors met in an emergency session this week and took decisive action. The Board unanimously condemned Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's directive for 7.5%, 10%, and 15% spending cuts and authorized significant resources to launch a comprehensive public advocacy campaign.
A promise torched
Let's not forget: this government ran on a promise of "caps, not cuts." That promise has been torched. These aren't caps or "efficiencies" – they're deep, dangerous cuts that put jobs and critical public services at risk. What we're seeing is the most devastating attack on the federal public service in a generation – Harper-style austerity with a red logo slapped on.
Fighting on all fronts
As outlined in our message to members last Friday, PIPSC is mobilizing on all fronts to fight these cuts:
Labour Relations: Our consultation teams are pushing back and demanding to be part of the solution at Union-Management Consultation Committees in each department, where proposals will need to be submitted by late August. They are demanding clear and advanced communication to all employees by the Employer. We are prepared to ensure the Employer respects our collective agreements and will not let violations go unchallenged. Your consultation teams are there to answer questions and to hear your thoughts. FAQs and Webinar recordings are available here to learn more about the workforce adjustment process.
Government Relations: We're booking meetings and making phone calls, taking your message directly to MPs and Ministers. The message is clear: these cuts cannot stand – they will hurt constituents and could cost politicians their seats.
Public Affairs: We're taking this fight public because Canadians didn't vote to gut frontline protections and services. These cuts threaten the scientists who keep drinking water safe, the experts who warn before wildfires strike, and the inspectors who prevent deadly food outbreaks.
Board action: real resources for real results
The Board has now authorized significant resources to fight these cuts on every front. The Board has allocated funding for a comprehensive public advocacy campaign that includes:
- a national advertising campaign across multiple platforms
- targeted outreach to decision-makers and stakeholders
- ongoing advocacy to strengthen support for public services
These cuts are not inevitable
Let's be blunt: this government is doing this without a budget, without a vote in Parliament, and without a shred of transparency or democratic accountability. No debate. No public input. No consultation with unions. Just a backroom directive.
But here's what we also know: resistance works. Public pressure works. Remember that public backlash helped sink Harper's government. The Liberals know they could be next if Canadians realize what they're about to lose.
These cuts pose the biggest threat we've faced together in almost 20 years, and the Board has made fighting them our #1 priority. These cuts are not inevitable – they're a political choice, and we won't let this government quietly dismantle what generations of public servants have built.
The message to Prime Minister Carney
If Prime Minister Carney thinks he can scapegoat public servants to cover for flailing trade talks, he's got another thing coming. We know that public servants aren't an expense line – they are the engine of delivery for the programs and services Canadians depend on.
Standing together
As we move forward with this campaign, we will continue to keep members informed about our advocacy efforts and opportunities for you to get involved. This is the biggest fight we've faced together in almost 20 years, but we can and will win.
The Board has committed significant funding to ensure this campaign reaches every corner of the country. We are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to defend public services, protect our members' jobs, and hold this government accountable for breaking their promises.
We're going to fight these cuts tooth and nail – and we're just getting started