World Vision prepares to cut 3,000 jobs amid U.S. aid freeze

What’s going on at World Vision?

World Vision is preparing to lay off as many as 3,000 employees worldwide, according to internal disclosures made during a confidential meeting between Christian aid organizations and U.S. State Department officials. The news was first reported by Devex.

• The cuts come amid a freeze on U.S. foreign aid, a move with sweeping effects across humanitarian relief networks.
• Edward Brown, vice president at World Vision, revealed the planned layoffs Friday in a closed-door session with representatives from other faith-based organizations.
• The meeting included Peter Marocco, the U.S. State Department lead on dismantling parts of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Albert Gombis, acting undersecretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights.

World Vision has declined public comment, and the State Department has also remained silent on the issue.

Why it matters

World Vision is one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations in the world. The group’s core mission includes child protection, disaster relief, and refugee aid – programs heavily reliant on U.S. government grants.

• A source told Devex that the State Department has begun reversing some termination orders for contracts  with World Vision and other similar organizations.
• If confirmed, this could reduce the final layoff count, but the scope of the damage to staff and program is still unfolding.

Impact on Canadian staff

It remains unclear if the workforce reduction at World Vision Canada will affect Canadian employees.

According to LinkedIn, the company has roughly 500 workers in the country.

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Next steps for World Vision Canada employees

If you’ve been affected by the layoffs at World Vision Canada, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada’s not-profit sector are entitled to severance pay based on a variety of factors, including their role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to two years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Many companies cutting jobs

World Vision Canada isn’t the only major employer trimming its headcount in 2025.

Big names, including Google, Microsoft, S&S Activewear, Siemens, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, and Shopify, have scaled back their staffing levels as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Salesforce to cut jobs at ‘Own’ following $2-billion acquisition
• Amazon Layoffs: Nearly 14,000 managers could be axed to cut costs
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-time insights on your rights

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re affected by the latest round of layoffs at World Vision Canada, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

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.