Which Companies Laid Off Canadian Workers in 2024?

Layoffs in Canada have continued into 2024 as companies reassess staffing after the peak of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Businesses across technology, retail, manufacturing and media have announced reductions as they adapt to slower consumer demand, higher costs and rapid shifts in technology, including the integration of generative AI. This wave of job cuts reflects broader economic pressure and restructuring efforts as firms aim to lower expenses and refocus on core priorities.

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Companies in Canada laying off employees in 2024

Below is a list of companies that announced layoffs affecting Canadian workers in 2024. The reductions span multiple sectors and range from targeted cuts to large restructuring initiatives.

1. BCE Inc.: The Montreal‑based telecom announced on Feb. 8 plans to reduce roughly 4,800 positions across the company, though some reductions will occur through vacancies and natural attrition.
2. BRP Inc.: The manufacturer of Ski‑Doo vehicles disclosed in December that it had laid off more than 120 employees and managers across three Quebec facilities.
3. BenchSci: The Toronto AI startup cut an unspecified number of positions in January, citing economic conditions, operational efficiencies and adjustments tied to generative AI.
4. BlackBerry Ltd.: The Waterloo tech firm announced on Feb. 12 plans to reduce staff while it reorganizes and separates two business divisions.
5. The Body Shop Canada Ltd.: Court filings showed the Canadian subsidiary planned to lay off about 200 workers in March as it sought creditor protection and closed 33 stores, with recent cuts to head‑office roles and contractors.
6. Canada Goose Holdings Inc.: The Toronto luxury apparel maker said in March it would cut 17% of its global corporate workforce to position the company better for scaling.
7. Cascades Inc.: The paper and packaging company announced on Feb. 13 that it would close three plants, affecting around 310 employees.
8. Cohere: The Toronto AI company eliminated 20 roles in July, shortly after raising a major funding round, as part of staffing adjustments.
9. Corus Entertainment Inc.: The broadcaster confirmed layoffs across several stations in February; in June, Unifor reported that 35 Global News members were let go amid corporate changes.
10. CPA Canada: Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada reduced its workforce by about 20% on Feb. 12 ahead of provincial oversight bodies splitting from the national organization.
11. Dorel Industries Inc.: The children’s product and furniture maker disclosed in March that it had previously laid off 40 employees.
12. Enbridge Inc.: The Calgary pipeline company said it planned to cut approximately 650 positions in February, pointing to challenging business conditions, higher interest rates and global uncertainties.
13. Factory Direct: Court documents filed in February indicated the Vaughan electronics and home goods retailer would terminate about 200 employees as it winds down operations.
14. General Motors: In August, GM announced layoffs affecting a small percentage of its Canadian workforce as part of global reductions in its software and services units.
15. Google: The tech giant began the year with job cuts that left hundreds of staff without roles, including some employees based in Canada.
16. Groupe Juste pour rire Inc.: The organization behind the Montreal comedy festival said in early March it would lay off 75 workers while seeking creditor protection.
17. Hudson’s Bay Co.: The retailer cut fewer than 100 employees—representing under 1% of its workforce—on April 30 as part of broader cost management.
18. Indigo Books & Music Inc.: Indigo carried out unspecified job reductions in January amid restructuring following a cyberattack, operating losses and leadership changes; the company agreed to be taken private in April.
19. Laurentian Bank: The Montreal bank confirmed on May 16 it would reduce roughly 2% of its staff—about 60 positions—while executing a turnaround plan.
20. Lightspeed Commerce Inc.: The Montreal tech firm announced on April 3 plans to cut around 280 jobs to concentrate on profitable growth.
21. Lion Electric Co.: The electric bus manufacturer laid off about 100 employees on Feb. 29 (roughly 7% of its workforce), later announcing additional rounds of reductions totalling several hundred roles through mid‑year.
22. Lynx Air: The low‑cost carrier ceased operations in late February; court documents showed the airline employed approximately 500 people.
23. Manulife Financial Corp.: The insurer trimmed its workforce by about 2.5% to contain costs and redirect resources toward growth areas.
24. Mastermind Toys: Following a change in ownership in January, the toy retailer terminated approximately 272 employees.
25. Mountain Equipment Co.: The Vancouver outdoor retailer laid off 14 employees—less than 1% of its 1,700 staff—in January after completing major operational initiatives.
26. OpenText Corp.: The Waterloo software company announced in July an optimization plan that included cutting about 1,200 roles.
27. Questrade Financial Group Inc.: The online brokerage reported layoffs in November to better align its workforce with strategic priorities.
28. RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust: The real estate firm reduced staff by around 50 employees in October as part of efficiency measures.
29. Rogers: The media and sports division disclosed in November a reduction of “a few dozen” jobs in its audio business amid a soft advertising market.
30. Rona Inc.: The Boucherville home improvement retailer planned to cut 300 jobs and close distribution centres in Terrebonne and Calgary as it restructures operations.
31. Saks Global: When Hudson’s Bay Co. spun off some brands into Saks Global in July, the new entity implemented staff reductions; the company did not disclose the number affected.
32. SkipTheDishes: The food delivery company cut about 100 Canadian roles in August, while its parent company eliminated an additional 700 positions globally.
33. Staples Canada: The office supplies retailer reduced an unspecified number of head‑office roles in early February as part of a restructuring.
34. Taiga Motors Corp.: The Montreal electric snowmobile maker announced several rounds of layoffs—31 in January and 70 in April—bringing cumulative reductions to roughly one‑third of its workforce after halting production temporarily.
35. Tokyo Smoke: Court filings from creditor protection proceedings in November showed the cannabis retailer terminated 115 employees.
36. TC Energy Corp.: The Calgary pipeline operator confirmed job cuts in early March as it integrated its North American natural gas pipeline businesses.
37. Vice Media Group: The media company, which has roots in Montreal, revealed plans in February to lay off several hundred staff and to pause publication on Vice.com.
38. Wayfair: The U.S. home goods retailer included 50 Ontario employees among the January layoffs that affected 1,650 roles companywide.

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