There are about 5,000 employees across Canada, and 330 positions will be cut. So far, 95 people have decided to retire, go back to school or leave the public service. An attempt was made to find 130 employees another position elsewhere in the public service. Some positions have been cut, but new ones have already been found for 130 people. That is a testament to the quality and professionalism of the employees who were working for our department. We are doing the same for the remaining employees. Some of them are thinking things through, and they have 90 days to decide. We will help those who want to stay in the public service and those who want to leave—either to retire or for any other reason.
On March 20th, 2013. See this statement in context.