Opposition and unions warn as federal job cuts target food safety and research

Federal job cuts and the planned closure of several agricultural research facilities are drawing warnings from opposition politicians and union leaders, who argue the moves jeopardize food safety and security. The reductions are expected to affect hundreds of positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

According to information on the federal government's website, more than 650 jobs are slated to be cut at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Agriculture Union, which represents federal food safety and agriculture workers, states an additional 600 positions will be eliminated at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The department also announced earlier this year plans to close three research and development centres and four satellite research farms as part of cost-trimming measures.

Critics contend these cuts undermine the foundational elements of the national food system. Milton Dyck, national president of the Agriculture Union, said Canada's food safety system relies on the twin pillars of inspection and agricultural research, and both are now at risk. Sean O'Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of...