Across-the-board executive job cuts won’t address ‘staggering’ growth in bureaucracy’s upper ranks, says ex-civil servant

A Hill Times analysis of data from four departments shows 97 per cent of their executive job cuts are targeting junior managerial posts at the EX-01 to EX-03 levels.

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. Since 2015, the overall population of executives in the core public administration has risen by 52 per cent, from 4,958 to 7,555 as of 2025. But that growth was more pronounced at the top ranks.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY MARLO GLASS

March 21, 2026

New data suggests the federal bureaucracy is cutting executives at all levels to the same degree, an approach that one former public servant says ignores the ballooning number of senior-most positions over the past decade in an effort to "hit a numerical target."

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Hill Life & People Newsletter

News and in-depth coverage of the public service, and political staff. Friday.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy