OTTAWA – Thousands of employees at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) have received notices warning them of potential job losses as the department prepares for a comprehensive foreign policy review. This review aims to redefine Canada’s foreign policy priorities, but critics argue that the layoffs are premature.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that although GAC has a framework for Canada's foreign policy that can influence staffing decisions, the diplomats' union believes that implementing cuts before finalizing these priorities could be misguided. Pam Isfeld, the president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers and a career diplomat, expressed confusion over the decision to cut jobs without a clear understanding of the department's future direction. She remarked, “I just don’t understand why we’re cutting without defining what it is that we want to do and what we need.”
Approximately 700 members of Isfeld’s union, which represents a third of its total membership, have received layoff notices. Additionally, 1,172 notices were distributed to GAC employees affiliated with the Public Service Alliance of Canada, 477 to members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, and 746 to GAC members of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees.
Global Affairs Canada announced last Friday that it must reduce its workforce by 12 to 13 percent by 2030 to comply with a budget cut of $1.12 billion. GAC spokesman John Babcock clarified that the department is attempting to encourage voluntary departures by notifying more employees than the number of positions targeted for elimination.
Isfeld highlighted that the individuals receiving layoff notices possess significant experience, noting that the two lowest ranks of foreign service officers are excluded from this process. She emphasized the need for clarity regarding the government's priorities and the subsequent consequences for job cuts, expressing concerns about the uncertainty this situation creates for union members.
In an interview, Anand revealed that the government plans to release a foreign policy document in 2026, which will prioritize trade diversification, people-to-people ties, and economic security. She mentioned that the national-security strategy expected to be released this year would include distinct pillars overseen by various ministers, paving the way for GAC’s foreign-policy review.
While the foreign-policy review is still being defined, it typically examines which regions will see increased diplomatic representation, which missions may close or consolidate, and what areas the foreign service will prioritize moving forward. Prime Minister Mark Carney, during the election campaign, pledged to revitalize Canada’s diplomatic presence globally through a “new, full foreign policy.” His platform highlighted that the last comprehensive foreign policy release was in 2005 and acknowledged the transformed global landscape since then.
Isfeld has expressed doubt regarding the timing of the cuts, especially after Carney’s recent address at the Davos forum, where he portrayed Canada as a "global leader" and outlined an ambitious international trade and economic agenda. She contended that increased diplomatic engagement would require more skilled and experienced diplomats, raising concern over the decision to reduce the workforce.
The department is also reassessing its functions through an initiative focusing on workflow and staffing, rather than on the content of foreign policy. This existing review addresses key issues such as balancing time spent abroad versus domestic responsibilities for diplomats, and integrating Canadians fluent in Asian languages who may not be proficient in French.
In the November budget, the Carney government redirected diplomatic resources towards trade initiatives, suggesting cuts in foreign aid and a consolidation of Canada’s foreign service presence abroad. The budget also called for updates to consular support, responding to an increase in requests for assistance from Canadians in crisis situations, such as those occurring in Haiti, Lebanon, or Sudan due to rising international conflicts.
Anand acknowledged the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape, underscoring the urgency of the foreign-policy review amidst a volatile global environment. She highlighted her awareness of the downsizing implications, having previously overseen the entire public service in her role as Treasury Board president. “I’m very, very sensitive to the concerns of our public servants and especially from a GAC perspective,” she stated, recognizing the human aspect of the situation and the impact on families.
