What does Justin Trudeau’s departure mean for federal public servants? [Video]

The upcoming change in national leadership following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he plans to step down is thickening the cloud of uncertainty shrouding the future for federal public servants.

Since the Liberals took office in 2015 — to cheers at some government offices — the core public service (excluding tens of thousands of military, RCMP and National Capital Commission positions, for example) has grown by about 85,000 employees, according to the Treasury Board.

Canada’s population has grown at a slightly slower rate over the same period.  

Just under half of the federal public service is employed in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

Among the many changes that occurred during Trudeau’s term, Canada’s $1.4-billion budget surplus in 2015 had turned into a $61.9-billion deficit by last month’s economic statement.

The former head of the public service told Radio-Canada Trudeau implemented new programs and institutions, creating a “very busy, very active government” that contributed to the growth.

“A lot of people in the public service now have only known growth, and …