Details are starting to emerge on the impact of the Carney government's cost-cutting measures within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
AAFC is closing three research and development centres – Guelph (ON), Quebec City (QC), and Lacombe (AB) – and four satellite research farms – Nappan (NS), Scott (SK), Indian Head (SK) and Portage la Prairie (MB).
Satellite locations in Normandin, QC (Quebec City) and Beaverlodge, AB (Lacombe) will remain open, the department says.
Other AAFC locations will remain open, but will be affected by staff cuts, as the agriculture department's workforce will be reduced by approximately 665 positions. Notices were sent to 1,043 employees affected by the workforce reduction on Jan. 22.
A department spokesperson says scientific operations at the seven facilities slated for closure will only be wound down after a "careful decision process" that could take up to 12 months.
"As such, it is too early to determine and share details on final workforce impacts," they say.
AAFC specifically says it does not have plans to close research centres at Agassiz (BC), Summerland (BC), Lethbridge (AB), Harrow (ON), Kentville (NS), or Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC), contrary to information shared on social media.
The closures will leave AAFC with 17 research centres across the country.
This is still a developing story. More coverage to come.
Related: AAFC research facilities reported to be on the chopping block amid federal budget cuts
