Message from the PIPSC President: New Liberal Gov’t Plans Deeper Cuts Than Trump — “We’re Going to Fight These Cuts Tooth and Nail”
Under Elon Musk, DOGE targeted 12% of the U.S. federal workforce — only 4% were actually let go. Now, Canada’s public service faces up to 15% in cuts. PIPSC outlines how it will push back.
Below, I'm sharing the message from Sean O’Reilly, the newly elected PIPSC President (2024). One can immediately notice a marked shift in tone compared to messages from the previous union administration, which often praised the Liberals while vilifying Conservatives. Times, it seems, are changing. The current Liberal government is now receiving the same sharp and critical language once reserved for the Harper era. This could signal a shift in the longstanding alignment—or affection—between PIPSC and the Liberal Party. We’ll see how far that goes. In the meantime, let’s hope that messages like this one will help re-engage members who felt disillusioned by years of union inaction on critical issues—and encourage them to stand and fight alongside their union, the way it always should have been.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Sean O'Reilly, PIPSC <bettertogether@pipsc.ca>
Date: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Subject: We’re going to fight these cuts tooth and nail
To: Dmitry Gorodnichy
A Message from the President
Dear Dmitry,
The Liberal government just broke their first promise to you – and we’re going to the wall to defend what matters.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s directive for 7.5%, 10%, and 15% spending cuts is the most devastating attack on the federal public service in a generation.
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 your jobs and critical public services at risk.
Worse, they’re doing it 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.
This isn’t a government protecting Canada or advancing the public good – it’s Harper-style austerity with a red logo slapped on.
Let me be clear: PIPSC will fight this tooth and nail. We are mobilizing on all fronts:
Labour Relations: Our national consultation teams are pushing back at Union-Management Consultation Committees (UMCCs), where departments have been told to raise and discuss these cuts. In some cases, departments aren’t following their obligations to consult with us, and we’re not letting this go unchallenged. If you have questions or want to obtain any information about potential cuts to your department, reach out to your consultation team.
Government Relations: We’re booking meetings, making phone calls, and taking your message directly to MPs and Ministers, making it clear: these cuts cannot stand – they will hurt their constituents, their goals, and could cost them 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. Remember: public backlash sank Harper's government — and DOGE’s plans in the U.S. The Liberals know they could be next if Canadians realize what they’re about to lose.
Board of Directors: We’re calling an emergency meeting next week to pass resolutions that commit real resources – people, money, and strategy – to fight these cuts on every front. These cuts pose the biggest threat we’ve faced together in almost 20 years – and you have my word that your union management and Board of Directors are making this our #1 priority.
Let’s be blunt: under Elon Musk, DOGE targeted 12% of the U.S. federal workforce. Only 4% were actually let go – and even those layoffs were rolled back after court challenges and a flood of resistance and public pressure. Put into perspective, Canada’s public service is now staring down cuts of up to 15%.
We can’t replicate what happened in the U.S. exactly, but the lesson to take away is that we can fight and even win. 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.
If Prime Minister Carney thinks he can scapegoat public servants to cover for flailing trade talks, he’s got another thing coming.
In solidarity,
Sean O’Reilly
PIPSC President
