Canada cuts could eliminate 50,000 jobs

OTTAWA, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Budget cuts could lead to the loss of more than 50,000 federal jobs and reduced services to some of the most vulnerable Canadians, a think tank report said.

The report by the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, an Ottawa think tank, examines the potential impact of the 2010 personnel cost freeze and the Strategic and Operating Review by Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government, the Toronto Star reported.

Based on departmental projections, David Macdonald, a senior economist with the think tank, estimates 50,000 to 60,000 federal public service, or government-funded private sector jobs, will be cut by 2014.

"No matter how the cuts take shape, the job losses will be significant," Macdonald says in "The Cuts Behind the Curtain: How federal cutbacks will slash services and increase unemployment."

The report said Harper's budget-cutting will reduce annual federal spending by $7.82 billion a year in two years. Based on analysis of earlier spending reductions, the report says, some of the budget cuts could hurt most some of those most in need.

Services likely to be cut include on-reserve housing, job training and healthcare for aboriginals, along with support for low-income families, seniors and the unemployed, Macdonald concluded. Environmental programs, food safety, workplace inspections and international projects also could be targeted.

Reflecting Conservatives' priorities, few cuts are expected for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, military forces, border security, correctional services and intelligence-gathering.