Federal budget 2024: Federal government proposes 5,000 job cuts, turning buildings into housing [Video]

Five thousand public service jobs will be cut over the next four years, while underused federal office buildings, Canada Post properties and the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa could be turned into new housing units, as the federal government looks to find billions of dollars in savings and boost the country’s housing portfolio.

The federal government’s 2024 budget outlines several initiatives for “responsible government spending” and turning federal properties into homes in the national capital region and across the country.

The 416-page document also proposes new disconnect rules for workers in federally regulated sectors to limit “work-related communication” outside of scheduled work hours.

CTV News looks at the federal government’s plans for the public service and its office portfolio outlined in the budget.

Cuts to the public service

The federal government is looking to eliminate 5,000 public service jobs through attrition over the next four years and requiring departments to cover increased costs within …