City bracing for layoffs, but remain quiet on numbers
MEDICINE HAT, AB – Municipalities across Canada have been reporting layoffs as a result of COVID-19 and pink slips could be on the way for city employees in Medicine Hat.
The COVID-19 health pandemic closed a number of public facilities in the city, including the Family Leisure Centre, Crestwood Recreation Centre, the Strathcona Leisure Centre, and the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.
Brian Mastel commissioner of public services for the City of Medicine Hat told CHAT News Today that since the closure of facilities on March 15, some staff affected have been shifted into other positions but layoffs are still likely for staff that can’t be redeployed into other positions.
“We’ve closed a number of public facilities and are decreasing programming and events and services in that regard and to reflect that we are starting to look at layoffs of staff and we will be providing notification in the coming weeks,” Mastel said.