More than 400 employees at the Surrey Tax Centre are wondering about their future after relocation notices were distributed this month.
Roughly 330 employees will have the option of accepting a similar job at other Revenue Canada offices, or accept a lower-paying position in Surrey, said South Surrey-White Rock MP Dianne Watts. A further 75 employees are losing their jobs, she said.
"The Liberals are cutting 405 jobs from the Surrey Tax Centre, which is over half the processing jobs at the facility," said Watts (left).
"Some are outright losing their jobs with no other opportunities provided to them. The only options for the remaining employees are to move their families across the country, or be demoted somewhere outside of Surrey in the Lower Mainland."
Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier announced a reorganization last November. Among the changes is a reduction to four processing centres across the country, to be located in Summerside (Prince Edward Island), Jonquière (Quebec), Sudbury (Ontario) and Winnipeg.
"Some employees will have the option of keeping their current position, but only if they move their families across the country to Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Prince Edward Island," said Watts.
"This will have a negative impact not only on affected employees, but on their spouse's jobs, Surrey businesses, our school systems, and our community at large."
The Surrey Tax Centre is located at 98 Avenue and King George Boulevard.
More details to come.