Ontario announces nearly $280K to support laid off AV Terrace Bay workers

What’s happening?

The Ontario government has pledged close to $280,000 in support of workers impacted by layoffs at AV Terrace Bay, a major employer in Northern Ontario. This investment will fund a new action centre aimed at assisting over 330 displaced workers who were laid off by the pulp mill on Jan. 2. Essential services and training will be provided to help them transition into new jobs or advance their careers.

Details

• Managed by the Township of Terrace Bay until June 16, 2025, the action centre will provide workshops, seminars, peer support, and tailored job search services through a needs assessment survey.
• The centre will also offer skills upgrading, interview prep, resume building, and access to job postings, helping workers transition into skilled trades and other sectors.

Official statements

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said, “Our government stands with the workers and families in Terrace Bay who have been impacted by these layoffs. By investing in this action centre, we’re ensuring that workers receive the support, resources, and opportunities needed to find rewarding employment that will help them and their families.”

Mayor Paul Malashewski of Terrace Bay expressed gratitude for the province’s quick action, saying: “The resources that the Action Centre provides will assist in developing the North’s workforce and make investing in the North attractive to various companies.”

Your rights

In Canada, non-unionized employees at AV Terrace Bay are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to a temporary layoff, downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This applies to individuals working in any capacity — full-time, part-time, hourly, or potentially even independent contractors — in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Severance is the compensation provided to non-unionized workers in Canada by their employer when they are terminated without cause, and can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains why you are still owed severance if you have been downsized on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Severance offers and deadlines

Before accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay. An employer’s deadline to sign back a severance offer is not legally enforceable or binding.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance during mass layoffs
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Major layoffs continue

The job cuts come amid a flurry of layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including Intuit, UiPath, Dyson, Vancity, Stifel, SAP Canada, Netflix, AmDocs, EXL Service, Best Buy, Relic Entertainment, Ubisoft, Intel, Amazon, and Telus, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Shell to lay off 20% of deals division, part of restructuring
• Walmart Canada cuts jobs amid restructuring, shift to Spark: Reports
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.

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.