Workers at Canada’s intelligence agency who wanted to take advantage of the government’s early retirement offer might be disappointed.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) mentioned that it doesn’t expect to approve many applications due to “continued operational pressures and growth requirements.”
“The central role that we play in ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of Canada and all Canadians depends on our ability to maintain and grow the full spectrum of our workforce,” CSIS spokesperson Magali Hébert said in a statement to CBC.
“Accordingly, CSIS is not undertaking any workforce adjustments.”
The incentive, which is part of a larger effort by the government to reduce the size of the federal public service, allows eligible federal employees to retire early without facing penalties for cashing out their pension.
The federal government introduced this incentive in its 2025 budget, giving tens of thousands of eligible public servants until July 24 to apply.
Hébert noted that while CSIS will review each early retirement incentive (ERI) application, they have been clear about not needing to decrease their workforce.
“Continued operational pressures and growth requirements mean we anticipate not being able to approve many ERI requests,” said the statement.
CSIS has faced challenges with hiring and keeping staff over recent years. In 2024, it rolled out a new “employee retention and attraction plan” aimed at reducing turnover.
The federal government expects that this early retirement program will cost $1.5 billion over five years but will save taxpayers about $82 million each year, mainly from pension contributions.
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