Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe addressed the potential effects of public service cuts announced in the recent federal budget. The budget, tabled on Tuesday, revealed that approximately 40,000 jobs will be eliminated from the public service by 2023-24.

During a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Sutcliffe expressed concern for families and community members who may be affected by these job losses. He stated, "Let’s remember these are members of our community who are facing the loss of their livelihood."

Sutcliffe's remarks came shortly after the federal budget was presented in the House of Commons. The cuts represent about a 10 percent reduction in the public service workforce. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has estimated that this could result in a loss of around 15,300 public service jobs specifically in the National Capital Region.

The mayor emphasized the need for a transition plan from the federal government for those who will lose their jobs. He urged officials to clarify how many positions will be lost through attrition and early retirement rather than outright cuts.

"The impact does not have to be enormous if we’re working together on a plan for those employees, as there were during other periods of transition in the public service," Sutcliffe said. He highlighted the importance of providing support for retraining and launching new careers for affected workers.

Sutcliffe noted that he has previously raised these concerns with Prime Minister Mark Carney and plans to continue discussions with federal officials. He also mentioned the need to diversify Ottawa’s economy.

Last week, Sutcliffe and Invest Ottawa CEO Sonya Shorey proposed making Ottawa-Gatineau a center for innovation and investment in the defense sector.

"I think we need the support of the federal government and the collaboration of the federal government on a plan as we continue to transition Ottawa’s economy and diversify Ottawa’s economy," Sutcliffe said. He added that investments in defense spending could benefit local companies and aid in the transition for displaced workers.