Canva Layoffs 2026: Severance Pay in Canada

Canva announced on November 4, 2026, that it is restructuring 1,271 positions, affecting 22% of its global workforce. Some employees will lose their jobs, while others face changes to their roles or requests to relocate.

The Australian design software company is combining teams, reducing management layers and concentrating more positions in Sydney. Canva hasn’t disclosed how many employees will actually be laid off or how many Canadian workers are affected.

Canva is offering departing employees at least six months’ salary. That sounds generous, but it isn’t necessarily everything Canadian employees are owed. Non-unionized workers in Ontario, Alberta and BC can receive up to 24 months’ compensation when terminated without cause.

Why Is Canva Laying Off Employees?

Canva CEO Melanie Perkins announced the restructuring as the company responds to slowing growth and major changes in the technology industry.

The company is merging its Product, Growth and Platform teams, eliminating overlapping responsibilities and asking some employees to relocate to centralized offices.

Canva also plans to increase in-office attendance for most hybrid employees beginning in January 2027.

The announcement affects 1,271 employees worldwide, but that figure includes layoffs, role changes and relocation requests—not 1,271 confirmed job losses.

Read Canva’s official announcement for the company’s explanation of the changes.

What Severance Package Is Canva Offering?

Canva has announced a minimum of six months’ salary for departing employees worldwide. That amount includes statutory payments rather than being an additional six months on top of them.

The company has also announced:

• Equity: Removal of the one-year vesting cliff for employees who joined within the past year.
• Healthcare: Twelve months of continued coverage in countries where Canva already provides it.
• Employee assistance: Twelve months of Canva Care support for employees and their families.
• Career support: Coaching, interview preparation and a year of LinkedIn Premium.
• Other benefits: Departing employees can keep their company MacBooks and apply for US$10,000 grants through the Canva Collective Fund.

It’s a substantial package. But a generous company policy isn’t the same as receiving everything you’re legally owed.

Can Canva Employees Get More Than Six Months’ Severance?

Yes. Non-unionized Canva employees terminated without cause in Ontario, Alberta and BC can receive up to 24 months’ compensation.

Your age, years of service, position, compensation and employment contract determine what you’re owed—not Canva’s standard severance policy.

For example, an experienced software engineer or senior manager who receives six months’ salary could be giving up significantly more compensation by accepting that offer.

Your severance should also account for the compensation you’re owed beyond salary, including bonuses, benefits and equity awards.

Use our free Severance Pay Calculator to get an initial estimate.

What Happens To Canva Shares And Equity When You’re Laid Off?

Canva has promised to remove the one-year vesting cliff for employees who joined within the past year. That’s welcome news for newer employees, but it doesn’t settle every equity compensation question.

Before signing, understand what happens to your existing shares, unvested equity, bonuses and other incentives.

Stock awards and bonuses can form part of a severance claim following termination without cause.

Don’t assess your package based on six months’ salary alone.

What If Canva Asks You To Relocate Or Changes Your Job?

Not everyone affected by Canva’s restructuring is losing their job. Some employees are being asked to relocate or take on substantially different responsibilities.

You don’t automatically have to accept a major relocation, demotion, pay reduction or significant change to your role.

These changes can amount to constructive dismissal, allowing you to pursue severance.

The same concern applies if new office-attendance requirements fundamentally change your existing employment arrangement.

Don’t resign or refuse a relocation request without first understanding your rights.

What Should Canva Employees Do Before Signing?

1. Get your full package. Keep the severance offer, employment agreement, equity documents and bonus plan.
2. Check what you’re giving up. Six months’ salary, benefits and career support don’t automatically cover everything you’re owed.
3. Have your offer reviewed. Understand your severance rights before signing a release.

Having your severance reviewed doesn’t mean taking Canva to court. We resolve the vast majority of severance disputes through negotiation.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP represents non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Our employment lawyers help technology professionals, managers and other employees get what they’re owed.

Canva Layoffs And Severance: Common Questions

How Many Employees Is Canva Laying Off?

Canva announced a restructuring affecting 1,271 employees, or 22% of its workforce, in November 2026. The figure includes employees facing layoffs, relocation or role changes. The final layoff count hasn’t been disclosed.

Are Canva Employees Being Laid Off In Canada?

Canva hasn’t confirmed a Canadian-specific layoff count. The announcement covers its global workforce.

Is Canva Offering Six Months’ Severance?

Yes. Canva announced at least six months’ salary for departing employees worldwide, inclusive of statutory payments. Canadian employees should have the offer reviewed before accepting it.

Can Canva Employees Receive 24 Months’ Severance?

Yes. Non-unionized employees terminated without cause in Ontario, Alberta and BC can receive up to 24 months’ compensation, based on their circumstances.

Can Canva Force Employees To Relocate?

A major relocation requirement can amount to constructive dismissal when it fundamentally changes an employee’s existing terms of employment. Have the proposed change reviewed before making a decision.

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