OTTAWA — Federal unions are cautioning that further delays are imminent in Canada’s passport services following a decision by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to eliminate an additional 250 positions within the passport program.
This latest move comes after 800 temporary positions were cut in May of last year. The Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) released a statement calling the layoffs a “direct attack” on the employees who were critical in assisting Canadians during times of urgent need.
Rubina Bucher, National President of CEIU, asserted that these job cuts will negatively impact the national economy and lead to significant disruptions in passport service delivery. Echoing these concerns, Sharon DeSousa, President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), stated that the action will inevitably result in increased delays and growing backlogs for citizens seeking services.
Both union leaders urged the government to collaborate with unions to strengthen and ensure the reliability of public services that Canadians depend on.
