Scientists who monitor Canada’s environmental health and protect Canadians from extreme weather events and industrial disasters could soon find themselves on the federal government’s chopping block.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government is in the process of reducing the size of its public service. Thousands of jobs are on the line, including 840 positions at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

As public servants wait to learn their fate, scientists and labour leaders are warning these cuts could significantly impact the health and safety of Canadians as well as Canada’s wildlife and environment.