Latest news with #Brière
National Observer
13 hours ago
- Business
- National Observer
Federal union launches a campaign denouncing cuts at CRA call centres
The federal union representing workers at the Canada Revenue Agency has launched an online campaign denouncing staffing cuts. Marc Brière, national president of the Union of Taxation Employees, said the loss of about 3,300 call centre employees in the last year has resulted in delays, long wait times and dropped calls. He claimed a large portion of calls are not being answered at the CRA because of low staffing levels, leading to the campaign name "Canada On Hold." "The last round of cuts was this past May; they let go of 1,300 members and the impact has been absolutely terrible on the lines, on the service to the population," Brière said. "At the same time, it's taken a toll on the employees as well." Brière said the main goal of the campaign is to get the government to stop the cuts, save call centre jobs and rehire employees because levels are "too low" and services have been "deeply affected." The size of the CRA grew during the pandemic and over the last few years, from just under 44,000 in 2019 to around 59,000 in 2024. As of 2025, employee numbers are down to around 52,500. Brière said the government is trying to bring staffing down to pre-pandemic levels, but that the CRA was short-staffed at that time. He added that the population has also grown since the pandemic. "I already advised the employer that it was not sustainable," Brière said. "There's more people to serve and there won't be enough employees to serve them." Through the campaign, jointly launched with the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the union is calling on the public to contact their MPs, share service complaints with the taxpayers' ombudsperson and record a video about the difficulties they're facing in reaching the agency. Brière said the union hopes to launch a second part of the campaign later this fall focused on employees in other areas of the CRA, noting that it's expecting to see more cuts, potentially including permanent employees, later this year. The federal government has tasked most departments and agencies with finding cuts to program spending of 15 per cent by 2028-29. The Canada Revenue Agency's 2025-26 departmental plan said it expects to see its number of full-time employees drop from 50,804 in 2025-26 to 47,732 in 2027-28. The plan said the reduction is primarily a result of a "decrease or sunsetting" of funding. It also reflects the "ramping up" of impacts of the CRA's contribution to government spending reduction measures announced in Budget 2023.
Winnipeg Free Press
15 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Federal union launches campaign denouncing cuts at CRA call centres
OTTAWA – The federal union representing workers at the Canada Revenue Agency has launched an online campaign denouncing staffing cuts. Marc Brière, national president of the Union of Taxation Employees, said the loss of about 3,300 call centre employees in the last year has resulted in delays, long wait times and dropped calls. He claimed a large portion of calls are not being answered at the CRA because of low staffing levels, leading to the campaign name 'Canada On Hold.' 'The last round of cuts was this past May; they let go of 1,300 members and the impact has been absolutely terrible on the lines, on the service to the population,' Brière said. 'At the same time, it's taken a toll on the employees as well.' Brière said the main goal of the campaign is to get the government to stop the cuts, save call centre jobs and rehire employees because levels are 'too low' and services have been 'deeply affected.' The size of the CRA grew during the pandemic and over the last few years, from just under 44,000 in 2019 to around 59,000 in 2024. As of 2025, employee numbers are down to around 52,500. Brière said the government is trying to bring staffing down to pre-pandemic levels, but that the CRA was short-staffed at that time. He added that the population has also grown since the pandemic. 'I already advised the employer that it was not sustainable,' Brière said. 'There's more people to serve and there won't be enough employees to serve them.' Through the campaign, jointly launched with the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the union is calling on the public to contact their MPs, share service complaints with the taxpayers' ombudsperson and record a video about the difficulties they're facing in reaching the agency. Brière said the union hopes to launch a second part of the campaign later this fall focused on employees in other areas of the CRA, noting that it's expecting to see more cuts, potentially including permanent employees, later this year. The federal government has tasked most departments and agencies with finding cuts to program spending of 15 per cent by 2028-29. The Canada Revenue Agency's 2025-26 departmental plan said it expects to see its number of full-time employees drop from 50,804 in 2025-26 to 47,732 in 2027-28. The plan said the reduction is primarily a result of a 'decrease or sunsetting' of funding. It also reflects the 'ramping up' of impacts of the CRA's contribution to government spending reduction measures announced in Budget 2023. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Philadelphia Flyers turn to Rick Tocchet as ‘long-term solution' behind the bench
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers introduced Rick Tocchet as the 25th head coach in franchise history on Friday, bringing home a fan favorite and one of the NHL's most respected hockey minds to guide the team through its critical next phase. General manager Danny Brière made the announcement at a packed news conference at the Wells Fargo Center, calling the 61-year-old Tocchet the 'long-term solution' for the franchise's bench position. The deal reportedly for $25 million over five years signals a serious investment in the franchise's future direction. 'This is a big day for the Flyers,' Brière said. 'Rick is the kind of teacher and communicator we need. He was a mentor to me as a young player, and I know he's going to do the same for our guys coming up. He's the perfect fit.' Tocchet returns to Philadelphia where he played parts of 11 seasons across two stints and became one of the franchise's most beloved and gritty figures. He amassed 508 points and more than 1,800 penalty minutes in an orange and black jersey. He later won Stanley Cups as an assistant coach in Pittsburgh and rebuilt struggling squads in Tampa Bay, Arizona, and, most recently, Vancouver. 'Walking back into this city, this building — it's emotional,' Tocchet said. 'This fan base is one of a kind. The passion, the accountability, the heart — that's what Flyers hockey is about, and that's what I want this team to embody.' The hiring comes as the Flyers continue a full-scale rebuild. Last season, under former coach John Tortorella, the team exceeded modest expectations with a scrappy, overachieving group but collapsed late in the season and missed the playoffs for a fifth straight year — leading to Tortorella's firing. With a strong prospect pipeline, ample draft capital and cap flexibility, Brière and president of hockey operations Keith Jones believe now is the time to lock in their leadership. 'The roster, the team, the potential, the prospect pool, the cap space that's coming — there are a lot of positives for this job,' Tocchet said. 'It's an attractive job and it's one of the best jobs in hockey.' Tocchet's coaching résumé has grown impressively since his early days behind the bench. He had assistant roles in Colorado and Pittsburgh, and was head coach in Tampa Bay during the late 2000s. But it was his work in Arizona from 2017—21 that earned leaguewide respect. 'There were years in Arizona where most thought they'd finish dead last,' Brière noted. 'But Rick had that team playing hard, structured hockey every night. He made them competitive with very little.' After Arizona, Tocchet transitioned to a high-profile broadcast role with TNT before taking over behind the bench midseason in Vancouver in 2023. He guided a struggling Canucks team into playoff contention, eventually winning the Jack Adams Award in 2024 for NHL Coach of the Year. His Vancouver tenure wasn't without turbulence. Public spats with players like J.T. Miller drew headlines, but Tocchet downplayed those issues Thursday. 'Sometimes things don't work out, and that's life,' he said. 'But I learned a lot. I'm proud of the job we did in Vancouver, and I'm better for it.' Brière said he sought feedback from former Tocchet players and staff across the league. 'What kept coming up was how much players respect him, how he makes them feel heard,' Brière said. 'He builds relationships. That matters.' Tocchet inherits a Flyers roster flush with young talent. He cited Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny — both of whom he coached during international tournaments — as examples of untapped potential. 'We've got some guys here who can take a big step,' Tocchet said. 'It's my job to get them there. That's the job I love — helping players find another gear.' He also made clear that he intends to shape the team's culture. 'Players today want trust, communication, safety,' Tocchet said. 'It's not a dictatorship. We're in this together.' Asked whether he believed this team could become a playoff contender again soon, Tocchet offered cautious optimism: 'I love the direction we're going. We've got the pieces. It's my job to get the most out of them.' The Flyers haven't reached the post-season since 2020. Tocchet will now be tasked with not just building a winning team, but reconnecting it with a hungry fan base that remembers his blue-collar approach fondly. ___ AP NHL:
Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Philadelphia Flyers turn to Rick Tocchet as ‘long-term solution' behind the bench
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers introduced Rick Tocchet as the 25th head coach in franchise history on Friday, bringing home a fan favorite and one of the NHL's most respected hockey minds to guide the team through its critical next phase. General manager Danny Brière made the announcement at a packed news conference at the Wells Fargo Center, calling the 61-year-old Tocchet the 'long-term solution' for the franchise's bench position. The deal reportedly for $25 million over five years signals a serious investment in the franchise's future direction. 'This is a big day for the Flyers,' Brière said. 'Rick is the kind of teacher and communicator we need. He was a mentor to me as a young player, and I know he's going to do the same for our guys coming up. He's the perfect fit.' Tocchet returns to Philadelphia where he played parts of 11 seasons across two stints and became one of the franchise's most beloved and gritty figures. He amassed 508 points and more than 1,800 penalty minutes in an orange and black jersey. He later won Stanley Cups as an assistant coach in Pittsburgh and rebuilt struggling squads in Tampa Bay, Arizona, and, most recently, Vancouver. 'Walking back into this city, this building — it's emotional,' Tocchet said. 'This fan base is one of a kind. The passion, the accountability, the heart — that's what Flyers hockey is about, and that's what I want this team to embody.' The hiring comes as the Flyers continue a full-scale rebuild. Last season, under former coach John Tortorella, the team exceeded modest expectations with a scrappy, overachieving group but collapsed late in the season and missed the playoffs for a fifth straight year — leading to Tortorella's firing. With a strong prospect pipeline, ample draft capital and cap flexibility, Brière and president of hockey operations Keith Jones believe now is the time to lock in their leadership. 'The roster, the team, the potential, the prospect pool, the cap space that's coming — there are a lot of positives for this job,' Tocchet said. 'It's an attractive job and it's one of the best jobs in hockey.' Tocchet's coaching résumé has grown impressively since his early days behind the bench. He had assistant roles in Colorado and Pittsburgh, and was head coach in Tampa Bay during the late 2000s. But it was his work in Arizona from 2017—21 that earned leaguewide respect. 'There were years in Arizona where most thought they'd finish dead last,' Brière noted. 'But Rick had that team playing hard, structured hockey every night. He made them competitive with very little.' After Arizona, Tocchet transitioned to a high-profile broadcast role with TNT before taking over behind the bench midseason in Vancouver in 2023. He guided a struggling Canucks team into playoff contention, eventually winning the Jack Adams Award in 2024 for NHL Coach of the Year. His Vancouver tenure wasn't without turbulence. Public spats with players like J.T. Miller drew headlines, but Tocchet downplayed those issues Thursday. 'Sometimes things don't work out, and that's life,' he said. 'But I learned a lot. I'm proud of the job we did in Vancouver, and I'm better for it.' Brière said he sought feedback from former Tocchet players and staff across the league. 'What kept coming up was how much players respect him, how he makes them feel heard,' Brière said. 'He builds relationships. That matters.' Tocchet inherits a Flyers roster flush with young talent. He cited Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny — both of whom he coached during international tournaments — as examples of untapped potential. 'We've got some guys here who can take a big step,' Tocchet said. 'It's my job to get them there. That's the job I love — helping players find another gear.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He also made clear that he intends to shape the team's culture. 'Players today want trust, communication, safety,' Tocchet said. 'It's not a dictatorship. We're in this together.' Asked whether he believed this team could become a playoff contender again soon, Tocchet offered cautious optimism: 'I love the direction we're going. We've got the pieces. It's my job to get the most out of them.' The Flyers haven't reached the post-season since 2020. Tocchet will now be tasked with not just building a winning team, but reconnecting it with a hungry fan base that remembers his blue-collar approach fondly. ___ AP NHL:
San Francisco Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Flyers name Rick Tocchet as head coach in a move to rebuild
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers introduced Rick Tocchet as the 25th head coach in franchise history on Friday, bringing home a fan favorite and one of the NHL's most respected hockey minds to guide the team through its critical next phase. General manager Danny Brière made the announcement at a packed news conference at the Wells Fargo Center, calling the 61-year-old Tocchet the 'long-term solution' for the franchise's bench position. The deal reportedly for $25 million over five years signals a serious investment in the franchise's future direction. 'This is a big day for the Flyers,' Brière said. 'Rick is the kind of teacher and communicator we need. He was a mentor to me as a young player, and I know he's going to do the same for our guys coming up. He's the perfect fit.' Tocchet returns to Philadelphia where he played parts of 11 seasons across two stints and became one of the franchise's most beloved and gritty figures. He amassed 508 points and more than 1,800 penalty minutes in an orange and black jersey. He later won Stanley Cups as an assistant coach in Pittsburgh and rebuilt struggling squads in Tampa Bay, Arizona, and, most recently, Vancouver. 'Walking back into this city, this building — it's emotional,' Tocchet said. 'This fan base is one of a kind. The passion, the accountability, the heart — that's what Flyers hockey is about, and that's what I want this team to embody.' The hiring comes as the Flyers continue a full-scale rebuild. Last season, under former coach John Tortorella, the team exceeded modest expectations with a scrappy, overachieving group but collapsed late in the season and missed the playoffs for a fifth straight year — leading to Tortorella's firing. With a strong prospect pipeline, ample draft capital and cap flexibility, Brière and president of hockey operations Keith Jones believe now is the time to lock in their leadership. 'The roster, the team, the potential, the prospect pool, the cap space that's coming — there are a lot of positives for this job,' Tocchet said. "It's an attractive job and it's one of the best jobs in hockey.' Tocchet's coaching résumé has grown impressively since his early days behind the bench. He had assistant roles in Colorado and Pittsburgh, and was head coach in Tampa Bay during the late 2000s. But it was his work in Arizona from 2017–21 that earned league-wide respect. 'There were years in Arizona where most thought they'd finish dead last,' Brière noted. 'But Rick had that team playing hard, structured hockey every night. He made them competitive with very little.' After Arizona, Tocchet transitioned to a high-profile broadcast role with TNT before taking over behind the bench midseason in Vancouver in 2023. He guided a struggling Canucks team into playoff contention, eventually winning the Jack Adams Award in 2024 for NHL Coach of the Year. His Vancouver tenure wasn't without turbulence. Public spats with players like J.T. Miller drew headlines, but Tocchet downplayed those issues Thursday. 'Sometimes things don't work out, and that's life,' he said. 'But I learned a lot. I'm proud of the job we did in Vancouver, and I'm better for it.' Brière said he sought feedback from former Tocchet players and staff across the league. 'What kept coming up was how much players respect him, how he makes them feel heard,' Brière said. 'He builds relationships. That matters.' Tocchet inherits a Flyers roster flush with young talent. He cited Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny — both of whom he coached during international tournaments — as examples of untapped potential. 'We've got some guys here who can take a big step,' Tocchet said. 'It's my job to get them there. That's the job I love — helping players find another gear.' He also made clear that he intends to shape the team's culture. 'Players today want trust, communication, safety,' Tocchet said. 'It's not a dictatorship. We're in this together.' Asked whether he believed this team could become a playoff contender again soon, Tocchet offered cautious optimism: 'I love the direction we're going. We've got the pieces. It's my job to get the most out of them.' The Flyers haven't reached the postseason since 2020. Tocchet will now be tasked with not just building a winning team, but reconnecting it with a hungry fan base that remembers his blue-collar approach fondly. ___
