Kwantlen Polytechnic University Layoffs: What’s Happening & Severance Rights

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) reportedly issued layoff notices to staff on March 5, 2026 — affecting roles “across the board.” (Vancouver Sun)

Diane Purvey, acting president of the Surrey-based university, said in a memo to employees that meetings with impacted workers will take place next week.

KPU continues to grapple with declining international enrolment, which has contributed to a sharp drop in revenue.

This page explains:

• What’s happening with KPU layoffs
• Whether a KPU layoff is permanent
• How much severance KPU employees may be owed
• What to do before signing a severance offer

KPU Layoffs: A Timeline of Recent Job Cuts

• August 2025
  KPU is pulling out the axe again in 2025 — eliminating approximately 45 full-time positions.
• March 2025
  KPU is laying off approximately 70 faculty members — expecting 1,500 fewer international students in the 2026 fiscal year

Is a KPU Layoff Temporary or Permanent?

For non-unionized employees at KPU, a layoff is almost always treated as a termination without cause, even if the following language is used:

• “Restructuring”
• “Reorganization”
• “Transformation”
• “Temporary layoff”

Unless your employment contract explicitly allows for KPU to temporarily lay you off, the company can’t place you on indefinite layoff without terminating your employment — meaning they must provide full severance pay.

Severance Pay for KPU Staff

Non-unionized employees in Canada are often owed far more severance pay than what’s outlined in their initial offer.

Severance is based on common law entitlements, not just minimum standards. Factors include:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position and seniority
• Availability of comparable jobs

In many cases, Canadians can be owed up to 24 months of compensation.

Severance may include:

• Base salary
• Continued benefits
• Bonus and incentive compensation
• Stock, equity, or RRSP contributions (where applicable)
• Vacation pay
• Other earned compensation

First offers often:

• Cover only minimum entitlements
• Exclude bonuses or incentives
• Impose short signing deadlines
• Undervalue long-service or senior employees

Severance Offers: Common Problems

Canadian employees affected by layoffs frequently report issues such as:

• Severance offers far below legal entitlements
• Missing or unclear compensation breakdowns
• Benefits cut off too early
• Bonuses excluded without justification
• “Temporary layoff” language used improperly
• Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours

Wrongful Dismissal and KPU Layoffs

A wrongful dismissal occurs when employers, including KPU, fail to provide full severance required under common law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance offer is too low
• A termination clause isn’t enforceable
• You were pressured to accept your severance offer on the spot
• Bonuses or benefits were excluded from your severance package
• You were terminated while on medical, parental, or disability leave
• KPU labelled your termination a “temporary layoff” without contractual authority

Large-scale layoffs at KPU don’t reduce their legal obligations.

Laid Off at KPU? Next Steps

If you’ve been laid off at KPU:

1. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
2. Gather your employment contract, bonus plans, and benefits information
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator to double-check your entitlements
4. Keep records of your role, compensation, and length of service
5. Speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything

KPU Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much severance can KPU employees receive?

Up to 24 months — depending on age, service, and position.

Are KPU layoffs permanent?

For non-unionized employees, yes. A layoff is typically a termination.

Does KPU have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Can KPU terminate employees on leave?

This can raise serious wrongful dismissal and human rights issues.

Can employment lawyers represent unionized KPU staff?

No. Unionized employees at KPU must go through their union.

Lost Your Job at KPU? Get Help Now

If Kwantlen Polytechnic University has laid you off, or offered a severance/buyout package, don’t do anything before seeking legal advice.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, one of Canada’s most reviewed employment law firms, has helped more than 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.