Against the backdrop of a Canadian dining table set with commonly recalled food products, food safety professionals warned today that federal cuts to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are weakening Canada’s ability to prevent foodborne illness.

PIPSC is demanding that the government explain why workers are being ordered back into offices now, despite years of demonstrated productivity and evidence on how remote work supports recruitment and retention.

“These cuts don’t just affect public servants – they affect every Canadian who eats,” said Sean O’Reilly, President of PIPSC. “When you strip away food safety research, inspection capacity, and emergency coordination, you increase the risk that disease or contamination goes undetected until people are already sick.”

PIPSC stewards are the first line of contact for members when facing Workforce Adjustment (WFA) situations. Resources are available below to help you learn more about WFA and ways to support members.

PIPSC is warning that cuts announced this week to key federal science-based departments will weaken Canada’s ability to prevent disasters, respond to emergencies, and protect public safety and the environment.