OTTAWA, October 20, 2025 — A new report released today by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), the union representing the scientists, researchers and engineers working for the federal government, highlights significant warning signs in Canada’s federal public science system – and urges renewed investment to ensure long-term resilience, not more cuts.

A Science Roadmap for Canada’s Future: Lessons from a Decade of Federal Scientists’ Voices, draws on 12 years of data from thousands of federal scientists and reveals a sector losing funding, capacity, and confidence – just when Canadians need it most.

“Federal science plays a quiet but essential role in everything from food safety to water quality to environmental monitoring to public health,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “This report is a clear warning: our federal scientific capacity is fragile, already under pressure, and can’t take another hit.” 

Among the report’s findings:

• Just 6.5% believe their department has adequate research funding
• Confidence in evidence-based policy has declined to 44%
• 36% of federal laboratories and science facilities are in poor or critical condition
• Interference (requests to alter or omit findings for non-scientific reasons) is on the rise

PIPSC warns that early gains in science integrity and transparency made in the aftermath of a decade of muzzling and mismanagement, are now stalling or reversing. At the same time, the government is floating plans for sweeping public service cuts, threatening what little resilience remains in Canada’s scientific infrastructure. PIPSC is urging the government to reflect carefully.

“Cuts mean consequences that won’t just be felt in labs – they’ll be felt in communities,” continued O’Reilly. “Defunding federal science means slower responses to wildfires, fewer food inspections, weaker disease monitoring, and delayed action on environmental threats. These cuts hit the systems Canadians rely on every day, often without even realizing it.”

The report outlines a 10-point plan focused on strengthening scientific integrity, rebuilding capacity, and ensuring transparency and accountability in how scientific evidence is used in policymaking.

“Fixing inefficiencies means tackling what’s really holding public science back — unstable funding, political interference, inconsistent priorities, costly outsourcing, and outdated infrastructure,” said O’Reilly. “Public science takes decades to build and seconds to cut. In a time of global instability, we should be strengthening the institutions that make Canada strong, safe, and independent — not weakening them.”

PIPSC is calling on the federal government to reverse course on public service cuts and commit to long-term, sustainable funding for federal science.

PIPSC represents over 85,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile)

FREDERICTON, NB, September 19, 2025 — New Brunswick Crown Counsel (NBCC) Group—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)— have ratified a five-year collective agreement that delivers pay parity with Crown Prosecutors and ends a compensation crisis that saw legal costs spiral out of control. The deal, retroactive to 2023 and running through 2028, will align NBCC with the salaries of crown counsel in other provinces and represents a major victory for government legal capacity.

"This deal validates what we've been saying all along – Crown Counsel deserve the same compensation as their prosecutor colleagues," said Eric Boucher, NBCC President. "The 95% strike support sent a clear message that our members were united and serious about achieving fairness. This agreement ensures New Brunswick can recruit and retain the legal expertise it needs."

The agreement secures three of the union's four key pay proposals, most notably achieving pay equity with the New Brunswick Crown Prosecutors Group – ending wage gaps that ranged from 29% at senior levels to 49% for junior lawyers despite identical qualifications and responsibilities.

The tentative agreement emerged following conciliation meetings in July, where the independent conciliator's report strongly favoured the union's position. The deal includes significant wage grid improvements and market adjustments that reflect the true value of Crown Counsel's specialized legal work.

"The conciliation process confirmed what we knew – our position was reasonable and necessary," said PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. "This agreement demonstrates that when workers stand together with rock-solid solidarity, meaningful change is possible."

With the province's use of private law firms having doubled from $4.1 million in 2019-20 to $8.6 million in 2024-25, and the province paying up to $500 per hour for private legal services, retaining experienced Crown Counsel will generate substantial savings.

Crown Counsel provide legal advice to all departments and many crown corporations, defend against lawsuits, grievances and appear at arbitrations, ensure the government respects the law and the Constitution, negotiate and draft contracts, and draft all public laws and regulations.

"Without our members' unwavering commitment to fair compensation, this result would not have been possible," Boucher emphasized. "This agreement protects both our members and the public interest by ensuring the government has the legal capacity it needs."

The five-year agreement provides stability and predictability while positioning the Government of New Brunswick as a competitive employer for experienced legal professionals.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

OTTAWA, September 4,  2025 — The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is sounding the alarm over federal government cuts at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Unofficial notification of a work force adjustment (WFA) at PHAC was sent to PIPSC on August 25. While those affected will not know their individual status until later in September, it is clear that critical public health expertise is being eliminated.

PHAC was established to enhance Canada’s ability to prevent and control outbreaks, manage infectious diseases, and protect the health of Canadians. The proposed cuts will affect staff across PHAC, including operations at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg — Canada’s only facility of its kind and a recognized global leader in emergency preparedness. The lab’s vital work in research, diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, and containment plays a critical role in both national and international biosecurity. 

“Eliminating public health positions while Canada’s healthcare system is already stretched to the breaking point leaves Canada dangerously unprepared for the next health crisis and puts lives at risk,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “These cuts will pile even more pressure onto the system, while stripping away vital programs that millions benefit from — from Lyme disease research and vaccination programs, to suicide crisis hotlines and chronic disease prevention.”

This work force adjustment is part of the federal government’s Budget Refocusing Exercise. Similar work force adjustments are being implemented across the federal public service to meet spending reduction targets. The government is also directing upwards of 15% public service spending cuts under its Comprehensive Expenditure Review. 

"These are cuts on top of cuts. Work force adjustments and public service cuts have become the government's go-to solution for meeting spending targets, but you can't cut your way to a stronger Canada,” said O’Reilly. “This is Harper-era austerity –– or worse –– dressed in a red tie.”

PIPSC represents over 85,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

CHALK RIVER, ON, July 11, 2025 — Members of the Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—have voted to ratify their tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), bringing their historic labour dispute to a successful conclusion.

The ratification vote concluded today at noon, with CRPEG's 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers voting to accept the agreement that includes hard-fought improvements over CNL's original offers.

"Our members have spoken, and they've chosen to accept an agreement that recognizes their professional value and the critical work they do for Canada," said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. "This victory demonstrates the power of standing together and fighting for what's right."

The ratified agreement includes improvements secured through the union's historic strike action:

• $2 million increase to company-wide benefits program, benefiting all CNL employees (the first in 25 years)
• $1,700 lump sum payment to every CRPEG member
• 10.5% salary increases over three years with improved distribution (4.0% in 2024, 4.0% in 2025, and 2.5% in 2026)

The five-day selective strike marked the first PIPSC strike action in over 30 years and demonstrated the critical importance of CRPEG members' work in ensuring nuclear reactor safety, managing radioactive waste, and conducting nuclear medicine research.

"This agreement shows what's possible when professional workers stand together," said PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. "Despite facing aggressive tactics from CNL, our members stayed strong and secured gains that benefit not just CRPEG, but all workers at the facility."

CRPEG members will return to their vital work ensuring Canada's nuclear safety and security. Their expertise supports reactor operations, radioactive waste management, environmental remediation, and nuclear medicine research that serves Canadians across the country.

The agreement concludes a dispute that began when the previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023, following 18 months of negotiations.

PIPSC's unfair labour practice complaint regarding CNL's cancellation of vacation leave perceived by members as retaliation for opting to exercise their right to strike continues through the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

CHALK RIVER, ON, July 2, 2025 — The Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—has reached a tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), bringing the historic labour dispute to a potential resolution.

The tentative agreement was reached Friday, June 27, at approximately 3:30 PM. Strike action has been suspended pending a ratification vote by CRPEG's 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers, tentatively scheduled for July 8, 2025. The CRPEG bargaining team will recommend ratification of the tentative agreement. 

"Our members stood together and showed the power of organized labour," said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. "This tentative agreement demonstrates what workers can achieve when they unite for fair treatment and recognition of their professional value."

The tentative agreement includes meaningful improvements over CNL's previous offers, including:

• $2 million one-time increase to the company-wide benefits program (up from $1.75 million), benefiting all CNL employees
• $1,700 lump sum payment to all CRPEG members
• 10.5% salary increases over three years with improved distribution (4.0% in 2024, 4.0% in 2025, and 2.5% in 2026)

The five-day selective strike marked the first PIPSC strike action in over 30 years and had a significant operational impact on CNL, affecting tritium facility operations, reactor surveillance work, commercial projects, and regulatory compliance functions.

The strike demonstrated the critical importance of CRPEG members' work in ensuring nuclear reactor safety, managing radioactive waste, and conducting nuclear medicine research that serves all Canadians.

While vacation leave has been reinstated, PIPSC's unfair labour practice complaint regarding CNL's retaliatory cancellation of pre-approved vacation continues to move forward through the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

"Despite facing surveillance intimidation tactics and cancellation of vacation leave, CRPEG members stayed strong and professional," said PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. 

The tentative agreement follows 17 months of negotiations that began when the previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. CRPEG members commenced strike action on May 26, 2025, after declaring an impasse in negotiations. They resumed strike action on June 23, after rejecting a settlement offer from CNL.

PIPSC represents over 85,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

CHALK RIVER (Ontario), June 19, 2025 – Members of the Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—have voted to reject Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' (CNL) latest settlement offer following a three-day ratification vote that concluded Thursday at noon.

Following the vote results, PIPSC will serve notice to CNL that strike action will continue, with activities resuming Monday morning. The union will implement targeted strike action designed to maximize impact while working toward a fair agreement.

"Our members have spoken clearly through this democratic process," said CRPEG Group President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. "We respect their decision and will continue working toward an agreement that properly recognizes the professional value of our nuclear scientists and engineers."

CNL's rejected proposal included limited changes from previous offers that members found inadequate. While the offer featured a small increase in benefits coverage and removed problematic language regarding direct negotiations with individual members, it did not provide the meaningful economic increases sought by members or substantial improvements to health and dental benefits that have remained unchanged for 25 years.

CRPEG members ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors and support critical radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada. Their expertise in nuclear medicine research impacts the health of countless Canadians.

Negotiations had been ongoing since the collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. The parties engaged in extensive negotiations over 17 months, including 27 days of bargaining sessions throughout 2024, additional negotiations in February 2025, and multiple conciliation sessions in April and May with the assistance of federal mediators. 

PIPSC acknowledges the continued support of the United Steelworkers (USW), whose solidarity has strengthened CRPEG's position throughout this historic labour dispute.

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Media contact: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

CHALK RIVER (Ontario), June 5, 2025 – The bargaining team of the Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—received a revised settlement offer from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) on Friday, May 30th.

Shortly after presenting the offer to the bargaining team, CNL sent direct communications to CRPEG members urging them to call for a ratification vote. While the bargaining team notes that CNL chose an approach that differs from established negotiation processes, CRPEG has maintained its commitment to transparency and fostering unity among its members throughout these discussions.

In keeping with democratic principles, the bargaining team has decided to hold a ratification vote on CNL's latest offer to allow the membership to determine how they would like to proceed with the ongoing labour dispute. The vote will take place from June 17 to 19.

Details of Revised Offer

CNL's revised offer included only two changes from the previous offers. A small increase in health and dental benefits, which have not increased in 25 years and removes language regarding direct negotiations with individual members on office space. Questions remain about whether the increases meet members' expectations for fair compensation.

"Our members will now have the opportunity to review this offer and make their decision about the path forward," said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly "We trust our membership to carefully consider all aspects of the proposal."

Strike Activities Suspended During Vote

Until the ratification vote results are announced, all strike activities will be temporarily suspended. This includes picket lines and the work-to-rule campaign that has been in effect since the strike began.

The 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers at Chalk River have been on strike since 12:01am on May 26. These professionals ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors and support critical radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada.

The outcome of the ratification vote will direct the bargaining team on how to proceed, with all options remaining available based on the membership's decision.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

OTTAWA (Ontario), April 29, 2025 — The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada on winning the most seats in the 2025 federal election.

While it appears no party earned a majority of seats or the popular vote, all now share the responsibility of delivering for Canadians. In a Parliament without a clear mandate, the message from voters is unmistakable: Canadians want action that protects Canada’s future and improves their day-to-day lives—not partisan bickering or short-sighted cuts. Any party looking to hold onto power must demonstrate concrete progress on affordability, opportunity, and quality of life.

“At a time when Canadians are anxious about tariffs, affordability and rising costs, we need to strengthen what supports them—not weaken it," said Sean O’Reilly, President of PIPSC. “This means investing in the public services they rely on. You can’t balance the books on the backs of the people who keep this country running – and you can’t cut your way to confidence in the House.”

As the new government takes shape, all parties must resist the urge to scapegoat public services as a way to manage fiscal pressures. Public servants have always been there for Canadians—in crises, recovery, and uncertainty. The services they deliver provide stability and a lifeline in the toughest times. Cutting them won’t solve our challenges; it will only make them worse.

Instead, the new government must make choices that reflect the needs of Canadians and protect our long-term interests – including properly resourcing the CRA to crack down on corporate tax evasion and putting an end to wasteful outsourcing. These are resources that could help shoulder the economic burdens we face, yet continue to drain billions from the public purse.

“PIPSC stands ready to work with this government—and with all parties in Parliament—to ensure public policy is driven by facts, fairness, and a commitment to the public good,” continued O’Reilly. “And we are equally prepared to defend our members and the services they provide if they are targeted by short-sighted efficiency stunts.”

Given renewed threats from the U.S.—not just in the form of tariffs, but in rhetoric that challenges our very sovereignty—the government must remember what sets Canada apart: a deep commitment to strong public institutions, universal social programs like healthcare, and public services that benefit everyone. These are not costs to be cut; they are core to who we are.

PIPSC represents over 75,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

OTTAWA, March 31, 2025 – The Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG), represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 AM on May 14, 2025. 

“We have been without a collective agreement since January 2024 and our nuclear scientists and engineers are running out of patience," said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. “They have given us the strongest mandate for job action – including a strike – in the history of the Group. Our members deserve fair pay and we are prepared to walk off the job site if that’s what it takes.”

The option of job action remains on the table as the professionals working at the Chalk River campus are considering their options while they prepare for conciliation with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to resolve a year-long impasse over fair pay, job outsourcing, and working conditions.

"Today, more than ever, we stand united in our commitment to securing fair pay, enhancing working conditions, and protecting our professional work from outsourcing. Fair wages are the foundation for attracting and retaining the highly skilled professionals essential for the Company to consistently deliver top-tier services," stated Mr. Fitzpatrick.

The bargaining team is entering conciliation from April 1 to 3, 2025, with the intent of reaching a negotiated agreement –without a work stoppage– that recognizes the professional work of CRPEG’s nuclear scientists and engineers. 

“We kept CNL strong during ongoing energy and trade challenges. In return, when the increase in the cost of living is high, what the company is offering is effectively a rollback in wages,” CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick concluded.

The bargaining team is disappointed with the company’s last offer; an offer which prompted the Union to declare impasse on February 6, 2025 and request support from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

PIPSC president, Sean O’Reilly, stated that the union's 75,000 professionals across Canada’s public sector, fully support the 800 scientists and engineers at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Chalk River campus.

CRPEG members ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors, and support safe radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada. CRPEG members contribute to the health of Canadians through research on nuclear medicine.

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Media contact: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 27, 2025 — For nine years, the Phoenix Pay System has stood as a stark warning about the true costs of outsourcing critical government services. What began as a $5.8 million contract with IBM has now ballooned to over $650 million through more than 50 contract amendments - all while failing to deliver its basic function of paying public servants correctly and on time.

As a result, workers are going into debt as a result of ongoing financial insecurity and years of incorrect and unpredictable pay. Their futures are being impacted as their credit scores plummet – some have even lost their homes. Pay errors are also repeatedly reported on T4 and other financial reports, causing difficulties with the CRA and provincial tax agencies, tangling the web even further.

"The government's obsession with outsourcing has created a costly spiral of failure," said the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) President, Sean O’Reilly. "After spending hundreds of millions on IBM for Phoenix, we're now watching history repeat itself by once again choosing costly outsourcing for the new pay system, instead of leveraging in-house expertise.”

“Meanwhile, nearly 300,000 pay transactions remain unprocessed, and that number is only rising.” he continued. “With two-thirds of these cases being over a year old. This is not value for money - this is throwing good money after bad."

The mounting costs extend far beyond direct contracts. The 2024 budget includes another $135 million investment for HR improvements and the next generation pay system. This is on top of the $517 million allocated in 2023 and $521 million in 2024 just to maintain staffing at the Pay Centre to handle the ongoing backlog. The government has also spent millions more on consultants, including $27.7 million to McKinsey to "help improve" a system that fundamentally doesn't work.

"Public servants deliver essential services that Canadians rely on every day, yet for nine years, they've been fighting just to receive their basic pay," noted the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) President, Nathan Prier. "From day one, we warned about the risks of outsourcing such a critical system. A rush to find the cheapest option has now cost Canadians more than $3.5 billion and counting. We urged consultation and stressed the importance of maintaining internal expertise. Instead, the government eliminated 1,200 experienced pay advisor positions and replaced them with 550 positions at a centralized location.”

“The results speak for themselves,” he continued. “Thirty percent of public servants continue to experience errors in their basic pay, and thousands wait years for proper processing of promotions, transfers, and retirement benefits. We are long overdue for a renewed damages agreement to compensate our members, which the Treasury Board has been promising but intentionally stalling."

The Phoenix Pay System demonstrates what happens when governments prioritize outsourcing over investing in their own workforce. Public servants have the expertise, dedication, and understanding of complex government operations that external contractors simply cannot match. After nine years and billions of wasted taxpayer dollars, it's time for the government to recognize that strong public services require investment in public servants, not an endless cycle of expensive external contracts that fail to deliver.

About CAPE

With more than 25,000 members, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) is one of the largest federal public sector unions in Canada, dedicated to advocating on behalf of federal employees in the Economics and Social Science Services (EC) and Translation (TR) groups, as well as employees of the Library of Parliament (LoP), the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (OPBO) and civilian members of the RCMP (ESS and TRL).

About PIPSC

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) was founded in 1920.  With over 75,000 members, the Institute is the largest union in Canada representing scientists and professionals employed at the federal and some provincial and territorial levels of government.

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Media contacts:

Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Media@acep-cape.ca

Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), jfillion@pipsc.ca