The Liberal leadership candidates in Canada are proposing contrasting plans for the federal public service. Mark Carney, the presumed front-runner, has vowed to cap the size of the public service and rein in government spending. He plans to review program budgets and use new technology like artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. Carney aims to balance the operational budget within three years, although he has not provided specific details on the cap or spending reductions. On the other hand, candidate Karina Gould is not planning to trim the public service, citing the need for public servants to support Canadians during uncertain times.
The threat of steep tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada, including 25% levies on steel and aluminum imports, has added to the urgency surrounding the future of the public service. Gould’s campaign has emphasized the importance of maintaining the public service’s capacity to deliver essential programs and policies to Canadians in the face of potential economic challenges. Jackson, a spokesperson for Gould, highlighted the need for income support programs to help individuals and businesses during a trade war, suggesting that massive cuts to the public service would be counterproductive.
The Liberal government has announced plans to find savings through attrition in the federal public service. While permanent employee cuts were not initially part of the plan, federal departments and agencies have begun laying off employees and reducing hiring. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the bloated nature of the public service and suggested that his government would not replace all federal workers when they retire. However, Canada’s largest federal unions have called for continued investment in a strong federal public service regardless of the government in power.
Chrystia Freeland, another Liberal leadership contender, has been vague about her plans for the public service. She has emphasized using tax dollars responsibly and reducing the cost of running government without cutting benefits and services for Canadians. Frank Baylis, another candidate, has expressed concern about the rapid growth of the bureaucracy compared to the population. He believes in conducting a thorough program review department by department before making any decisions about shrinking the public service. Baylis also supports a minimum rule of four days in the office per week, with some flexibility for remote work when necessary.
The differing approaches of the Liberal leadership candidates showcase the debate surrounding the size and efficiency of Canada’s federal public service. While Carney advocates for caps on the public service and spending reductions, Gould emphasizes the importance of maintaining the capacity of public servants to support Canadians during economic challenges. The threat of tariffs from the United States adds urgency to the discussion, with some candidates calling for increased support for income and job protection programs. Ultimately, the future of Canada’s public service will depend on the leadership and decisions made by the next government.
