At least 27 scientist roles to be eliminated in AAFC cuts

"As previously reported, AAFC staff were notified in late January about plans to eliminate around 665 positions and close seven research facilities - three research and development centres at Guelph (ON), Quebec City (QC), and Lacombe (AB), and four satellite research farms at Nappan (NS), Scott (SK), Indian Head (SK) and Portage la Prairie (MB). The committee is planning to hold at least four meetings to learn more about the cuts."

"At least 27 research scientists have been told their position will not continue nor will they be eligible for re-location. (It's possible the number of scientist departures will be higher if others choose to not re-locate.) According to Hanson, this is around seven per cent of the scientists within AAFC. The department was tasked with finding $154.7 million in savings by 2028-29 through reductions to operational spending, programming, and science."

"The department has an operating budget of roughly $800 million, with annual expenditures associated with science and research facilities accounting for about $300 million of that total. Of that $300 million, around $90 million is spent on facility maintenance and utilities. When asked by local MP Blaine Caulkins about whether the plan to close the Lacombe is reversible, Hanson said the department is not reconsidering the decision. Some research at Lacombe is being moved to Lethbridge and Swift Current,"

The House of Commons agriculture committee began an emergency study into cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson, assistant deputy Alain Lagacé and associate assistant deputy Andrew Goldstein appeared before the committee on Jan. 10. AAFC notified staff in late January of plans to eliminate around 665 positions and to close seven research facilities: three R&D centres in Guelph, Quebec City and Lacombe, and four satellite research farms in Nappan, Scott, Indian Head and Portage la Prairie. At least 27 research scientists have been told their positions will end and they will not be eligible for relocation, representing about seven percent of AAFC scientists. The department must find $154.7 million in savings by 2028-29 through operational, program and science reductions. The department’s operating budget is roughly $800 million, with about $300 million for science and facilities and roughly $90 million for maintenance and utilities. The Lacombe closure is not being reconsidered and some Lacombe research will move to Lethbridge and Swift Current.

Read at Realagriculture