By Ragnar Haagen

Environment Canada cutting jobs, could affect Saskatchewan

Aug 12, 2011 | 6:35 AM

The Federal Government continues to try and slash costs anywhere it can to balance the budget, and now it’s Environment Canada’s turn to feel the axe.

It has was that 776 employees from across Canada have received a letter stating that their positions may be affected and they could be let go. Saskatchewan finds itself in the Prairie and Northern region (along with Manitoba, Alberta, N.W.T and Nunavut) where 58 jobs will be affected.

Environment Canada is calling it a workforce adjustment process, and not all of those 776 employees are in danger of losing their jobs. Anytime a job area is set to be reduced, all employees working in that same capacity must be made aware that their position will be affected, explained Mark Johnson, spokesman for Environment Canada.

He said the final number will be much lower.

“The number of eliminated positions will ultimately be about 300, which represent less than five per cent of the total Environment Canada employment,” said Johnson.

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“I can’t speculate on what sort of positions are going to be declared surplus, but our key objectives haven’t changed and the new funding through budget 2011 will continue to improve our weather services right across the country.”

Environment Canada’s 2011 budget included $27 million over two years that is earmarked specifically to improve Canada’s weather services. Johnson said the department’s service should not be affected by the smaller staff or overwhelmed in any areas.

Those who have been notified of possible cuts will receive a letter within 90 days stipulating whether or not they will be reassigned within the government or simply be let go.

rhaagen@rawlco.com