Legault Government Plans to Eliminate 5000 Jobs in Public Sector
The Legault government has announced a significant increase in its target for reducing public sector jobs. The new goal is to eliminate the equivalent of 5,000 full-time positions by spring 2027, up from the previous reduction of 2,000 jobs. This initiative aims to save approximately $375 million, according to Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau.
Reduction Strategy and Employment Changes
In her statement, Duranceau emphasized that the government is not implementing drastic cuts. Instead, they plan to consolidate resources to ensure that necessary services remain intact. The elimination of these jobs includes the previously cut positions for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and entails a similar reduction for 2026-2027. Additionally, the government intends to reduce manpower in external organizations like:
- Autorité des marchés publics (AMP)
- Société québécoise des infrastructures
- Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq)
- Revenu Québec
- Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ)
The government’s strategy includes promoting a workweek of 32 hours instead of the standard 35. Duranceau highlighted that collective agreements already permit reduced hours, and the government is encouraging more employees to opt for this arrangement.
Current Workforce and Organizational Changes
Currently, the Quebec public service employs around 80,000 full-time equivalents (ETC). The government has previously implemented hiring freezes and is not replacing employees who retire or resign, which has already resulted in a reduction of about 2,000 positions this year. Moreover, Duranceau introduced Bill 7 in hopes of decreasing bureaucracy, aiming to eliminate approximately 220 ETC through this legislative effort.
Challenges and Criticism from Unions
Unions have reacted strongly to the government’s plan. Christian Daigle, president of the Syndicat de la fonction publique du Québec (SFPQ), noted that many members are reporting an increase in administrative errors. There are also concerns over growing reliance on subcontracting, and longer wait times for public services due to the hiring freezes.
Michel Girard, a vice-president of the SFPQ, highlighted specific issues, such as delays in processing claims in the compensation program for victims of criminal acts. The Syndicat des professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ) criticized the situation, with president Guillaume Bouvrette stating that services are already being adversely affected, contradicting the government’s claims of voluntary departures only.
Overall, the Legault government’s ambitious plans to eliminate 5,000 jobs in the public sector continue to generate significant discussion and concern within both the government and public service community.
