Employees at Canada’s spy agency who were hoping to take advantage of the federal government’s early retirement incentive appear to be out of luck. 

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) says it doesn’t expect it will be able to approve many applications, citing “continued operational pressures and growth requirements.” 

“The central role that we play in ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of Canada and all Canadians depends on our ability to maintain and grow the full spectrum of our workforce,” CSIS spokesperson Magali Hébert said in a statement to CBC. 

“Accordingly, CSIS is not undertaking any workforce adjustments.”

The incentive, part of the government’s larger goal to slim the size of the federal public service, allows eligible federal employees to leave early without being penalized for cashing out their pension.

The federal government announced the enticement in its 2025 budget, and tens of thousands of eligible public servants have until July 24 to apply.

Hébert said while CSIS is committed to reviewing each early retirement incentive (ERI)  application, the agency has been transparent that it does not have an organizational requirement to reduce its workforce.

“Continued operational pressures and growth requirements mean we anticipate not being able to approve many ERI requests,” said the statement.

CSIS has struggled with recruitment and retention in recent years. In 2024 it launched a new “employee retention and attraction plan” with the goal of reducing turnover. 

The federal government is predicting the early retirement program will cost $1.5 billion over five years and will save taxpayers an anticipated $82 million annually, largely from pension contributions.