Hamilton Health Sciences Layoffs: Latest Updates, Severance Pay And Employee Rights

On September 18, 2026, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) confirmed plans to eliminate 413 positions, including 157 vacancies. The reductions include union and non-union roles, according to CHCH News.

For non-unionized HHS employees in Ontario, losing a job does not mean you have to accept the first severance package offered. You may be entitled to substantially more than the minimum amounts required by employment standards.

If you receive a termination letter or severance offer, have it reviewed before signing. The first step is simply finding out whether the offer reflects what you are owed.

On This Page:

• 1. Latest HHS Layoff News
• 2. HHS Layoff History
• 3. HHS Severance Pay
• 4. Before You Sign
• 5. Get Your Offer Reviewed
• 6. HHS Layoff FAQs

Latest Hamilton Health Sciences Layoff News

September 2026: HHS told CHCH it was reducing staffing costs amid a projected $150-million deficit for 2026–27. Implementation details were still being worked out.

Position cuts are not the same as employee departures. HHS expects few, if any, nurses to leave because of available vacancies.

Hamilton Health Sciences Layoff History

• September 2026: The broader position-reduction plan outlined above; employee departures not finalized.
• July 2026: Approximately 20 information technology positions eliminated.

For workforce developments at other employers, visit our Layoffs In Canada guide.

How Much Severance Could An HHS Employee Receive?

There is no single HHS severance formula that determines every non-unionized employee’s entitlement. The amount depends on your circumstances and the terms of your employment.

Ontario’s employment standards set minimum requirements. They do not necessarily represent your full severance entitlement. Some non-unionized employees can be owed as much as 24 months’ pay.

The main factors can include:

• Your age and length of service.
• Your position and the availability of comparable work.
• Your compensation and employment contract.

A package described as “standard” or calculated using a fixed number of weeks per year may not reflect everything you are owed. Your employment contract also needs to be checked before assuming it limits your severance.

Benefits and other compensation can affect the package’s value. You do not need to work that out yourself—the important thing is to have the entire offer reviewed.

What Should You Do Before Signing An HHS Severance Package?

Do not sign your HHS severance package until you understand whether the offer is fair.

For non-unionized employees, the next steps are straightforward:

• Get the complete offer in writing. Include the termination letter, proposed payments and any release you are being asked to sign.
• Keep your employment documents. Gather your contract, amendments, recent pay records and benefits information.
• Arrange a review before responding. Tell the lawyer about any deadline HHS has given you.

If you are offered a different role, lower pay or another significant change instead of termination, get advice before accepting, refusing or resigning. Your response can affect your rights.

Get Your HHS Severance Package Reviewed

Getting advice does not mean committing yourself to a long legal battle. The first step is a review of your offer and employment documents.

For non-unionized HHS employees, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can explain whether the package appears fair, whether you could be owed more and what your options are. Many severance matters can be resolved through negotiation without a trial.

You do not need to calculate your entitlement or negotiate with HHS before contacting us. Before you sign, always check first.

➡️ Contact Us Today or Call 1-855-821-5900

Hamilton Health Sciences Layoff FAQs

Does eliminating my position eliminate my severance rights?

No. A job elimination does not, by itself, remove a non-unionized employee’s right to proper notice or compensation. Your entitlement depends on your employment terms and how your employment ends.

Can part-time or hourly HHS employees receive severance?

Yes. Non-unionized employees do not have to be salaried or work full-time to have severance rights. Your employment status, service, contract and circumstances matter.

Do I have to accept the first HHS severance offer?

No. Have the offer reviewed before accepting it or signing a release. An employment lawyer can explain whether it reflects your entitlement and whether there are grounds to seek more.

What if my position is eliminated but HHS offers me another job?

Do not assume that you must accept it—or that you can reject it without affecting your rights. The new role’s pay, responsibilities and other terms matter. Unionized employees should speak with their union; non-unionized employees should obtain advice before responding.

Further Reading

• Severance Pay In Ontario
• Wrongful Dismissal And Your Rights

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It does not suggest improper conduct by HHS or any related company, and it does not suggest any relationship between HHS and Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. References to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP reviewing HHS employee severance packages describe the firm’s work for individual employees and do not suggest that any particular HHS severance offer is inadequate. An employee’s legal rights depend on their individual circumstances and the law that applies to their employment.