Canadians are continuing to be laid off as part of a wave of job cuts that began in 2023 as companies assessed their operations after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic passed.
Tech companies, retailers and more have all begun shedding members of their workforce in a bid to navigate the economic downturn.
These are some of the companies which have so far laid off Canadian workers in 2024.
BenchSci: The Toronto-based artificial intelligence startup let go of an unspecified number of workers in January because of “economic environment, operational efficiencies, and adaptation to technological advancements, specifically generative AI.”
Enbridge: The Calgary-based pipeline giant announced plans to cut 650 positions over the course of February, citing "increasingly challenging" business conditions including higher interest rates, economic uncertainty and the ripple effects of geopolitical developments.
Google: The tech giant kicked off the year by trimming its workforce, leaving hundreds of its staff without jobs. Dan Raile, a spokesperson for the Alphabet Workers Union – Communication Workers of America union, said some of the departing staff were located in Canada.
Mastermind Toys: The toy retailer, which recently changed ownership, terminated about 272 employees as Unity Acquisitions Inc. took over the company in January.
Rona Inc.: The Boucherville, Que., home improvement retailer announced plans to axe 300 jobs and close distribution centres in Terrebonne, Que., and Calgary in January as part of a plan to adjust its operating model and eliminate inefficiencies.
Wayfair: U.S. home goods retailer Wayfair says 50 workers in Ontario were part of a January layoff impacting 1,650 employees at the home goods company.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2024.
The Canadian Press
