Ottawa, December 3rd, 2025 – The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC), representing more than 3,500 federal lawyers and prosecutors, reports that the latest update to Department of Justice staff on December 2, 2025 confirms further workforce adjustment (WFA) processes will be required to meet the government’s budget reduction targets.

These reductions come at a time when Crown counsel and legal professionals are already carrying heavy workloads — with some lawyers working hundreds of overtime hours every year — and yet the Employer is justifying possible cuts to LP ranks, all while members face reduced training and development, navigate the hybrid workplace, and absorb the fallout of decisions that risk hollowing out Canada’s legal capacity.

These cuts undermine the critical work you do on behalf of Canadians — defending the public purse, upholding the rule of law, developing legislation, advancing litigation and prosecutions, supporting international agreements, and delivering essential legal services across government. The federal public service cannot function without the LP community.

AJC leadership is making that clear in meetings with departments and with elected officials. We are demanding the Employer build legal capacity with strategy and intention – and that means protecting justice-sector capacity within expenditure reviews.  

In this period of uncertainty, we are here and we will not let members face this process alone.

 

What We Know So Far

The Department of Justice (Justice) has confirmed that more WFA exercises are expected as part of the CER. They have committed to prioritizing voluntary options — including voluntary departure, alternation, and the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) — to limit involuntary job loss. Preliminary ERI notifications have been issued through the Pension Portal, though final eligibility and timelines will only be confirmed once enabling legislation is passed. 

We expect more information in early 2026, and we will keep you informed the moment new details become available.

Information available now

There are several programs that can help offset WFA job losses. Some of these programs are available now, and members who may receive a Notification of Affected Status may become eligible for them. Members should familiarize themselves with the National Joint Council Directive on Work Force Adjustment, alternation lists, and recently announced programs intended to help people affected by WFA find another role within the federal government.  

 

WFA Alternation

Alternation continues to be one of the most effective tools to avoid layoffs. Alternation helps affected members who are opting and who want to remain in the public service find and potentially exchange positions with a non-affected member who wants to leave.  

If you are considering leaving the federal public service, think about signing up as an alternate on alternation platforms, including:  

If you are declared an Opting employee, sign up on various alternation platforms as soon as possible to enable your search for an alternation match.  

For more information on Work Force Adjustment, a 2-hour WFA training is available from the School of the Public Service for those who want a clearer understanding of the process, employee rights, and available programs.

 

DND Mobility Initiative

Under the Department of National Defence’s Pathway to Mobility program, LP members can apply through the new functional stream inventory for Pathway to Mobility: Professional Services (ED/IS/LP/LS/PE/UT).

Although the DND Mobility Initiative is not formally part of WFA, the Treasury Board Secretariat said that affected and priority employees will be considered first.  

 

Early Retirement Incentive (ERI)

Pending passage of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, the ERI may allow eligible employees to retire earlier under temporary conditions set by the Treasury Board.

Although people who may be eligible are being contacted, this program is not yet available. Once authorized, the application window would open within 120 days of January 15, 2026, or 120 days after the legislation comes into force — whichever occurs later. Employees whose applications are approved would be required to retire within 300 days of January 15, 2026, or within 300 days of the legislation coming into force — again, whichever is later.

Additional details — including final eligibility criteria, timelines, and the process for submitting an expression of interest — will be shared as soon as they are released. We encourage you to consult this page regularly, as the Information is updated frequently.

We will provide analysis and guidance as more details emerge.

 

AJC Is Here to Support You

The AJC’s position is simple: our members do critical work on behalf of Canadians, and Canada needs strong legal capacity now more than ever. Justice-sector capacity should be protected in expenditure reviews. And when it comes to Work Force Adjustment, AJC members and all federal public servants deserve meaningful consultation and alternatives to job cuts.

AJC has a strong track record of helping members through the WFA process and minimizing the impact on our members. Historically, the vast majority of our members have remained employed by the end of the WFA process – and that’s what your union will continue to fight for.  

You may also reach out to your local Governing Council representative. Please consult our WFA FAQs on our website. If you have further questions about WFA or Alternation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: wfa-re@ajc-ajj.ca. 

 

About the AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the union defending Canada’s legal team. Our 3,500+ members are Federal Crown Counsel and articling students employed by the Government of Canada in the Department of Justice, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and in various federal agencies, tribunals and courts across Canada.

 

Media contact

The Communications Department 
Association of Justice Counsel 
300–2725 Queensview Drive 
Ottawa, ON, Canada 
K2B 0A1

Phone: (613) 798-9900 
Toll-Free: (866) 218-3310 
Fax: (613) 564-0606 
Email: admin@ajc-ajj.ca


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