Civil Service Cuts Coming? What Carney’s “Ambitious Savings” Plan Really Means for Canadians

The Bill Kelly Podcast

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Civil Service Cuts Coming? What Carney’s “Ambitious Savings” Plan Really Means for Canadians

Listen to Episode 175 of The Bill Kelly Podcast

Bill Kelly

Jul 10, 2025

Transcript

Canadian PM Mark Carney has tasked his Cabinet with creating “ambitious savings” proposals ahead of the Fall budget — a move that could reshape the federal government as we know it. With nearly 400,000 people currently working for the federal government, and considering the 40% increase in civil service over the Trudeau decade, Carney’s Cabinet is now hunting for “efficiencies.” Translation? Potential layoffs, longer wait times, and shrinking public services. This is a conversation about more than numbers — it’s about values, priorities, and the future direction of the country.

In Episode 175, Bill explores the deeper implications of this directive. With many public service unions already sounding the alarm, Canadians are left wondering: What services will be impacted? Is Canada’s federal government about to shrink? And can the government responsibly reduce spending without weakening the social programs so many rely on?

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This episode was recorded on: July 9, 2025

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Carney’s Cabinet Request to Find “Ambitious Savings”

05:08 Impact on Civil Service and Public Services

09:56 Historical Context and Future Implications

FURTHER READING

Carney's cabinet asked to find 'ambitious savings' ahead of fall budget

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-spending-cuts-1.7579022

Personnel Expenditure Analysis — Update

https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/publications/RP-2324-002-S--personnel-expenditure-analysis-update--examen-depenses-personnel-mise-jour?

Defence Department expected to find savings even as its budget balloons

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/defence-department-operational-savings-1.7580888

Matthew Lau: Doug Ford is partying like Kathleen Wynne