Federal government cutting 245 jobs

Treasury Board President Stockwell Day has announced Ottawa will cut 245 governor-in-council positions from government agencies, boards and commissions as part of its strategy to save $6.8 billion over the next five years. The move amounts to a less-than-10 per cent of the 2,700 cabinet-appointed positions, but is expected to save about $1.2 million. Some agencies and advisory boards will be completely eliminated, including the Canadian Council on the Status of the Artist, the advisory committee for Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, and the Space Advisory Board. About 90 percent of the jobs were already vacant, which means the government will be able to avoid layoffs by simply not appointing new people to the positions.

CBC News