Algonquin College to slash 37 programs in 2025, job cuts ‘unavoidable’

What’s going on at Algonquin College?

Algonquin College is looking to suspend approximately 37 programs ahead of the Fall 2025 semester — affecting dozens of jobs.

“While layoffs are unavoidable, we are committed to mitigating their impact through staged resource adjustments,” President Claude Brulé said in a letter to staff.

The Ottawa-based college is currently offering the following options to affected employees:

• Voluntary exit registry: Eligible workers will be able to leave the post-secondary institution and receive a “modest financial incentive.”
• Targeted retirement departure initiative: A one-time, lump-sum financial incentive to eligible employees at least 50 years of age.

Algonquin College’s Board of Governors is scheduled to vote on the proposed program cuts on Feb. 24.

The bombshell announcement comes just weeks after the school shared plans to close its campus in Perth, Ontario next year.

SEE ALSO
• Centennial College reportedly planning to cut 25% of staff in 2025
• Georgian College cuts 45 staff due to ‘systemic underfunding’
• Mohawk College slashes dozens of jobs, second cut of 2025
• Tariffs in Canada: News, Layoffs, and Employee Rights

Should I accept a voluntary severance package?

Non-unionized employees in Canada shouldn’t accept a voluntary severance package before speaking with an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (B.C.).

In some cases, individuals could be owed far more compensation if they’re fired by the company — or let go involuntarily.

SEE ALSO
• Chevron planning to slash up to 20% of staff, offering voluntary buyouts
• Telus offers severance packages to hundreds of workers in February
• Bell offering severance packages to staff, citing ‘unprecedented challenges’

Next steps for staff at Algonquin College

If you’re fired or let go at Algonquin College, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

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.

Major employers slashing staff

The planned workforce reduction at Algonquin College comes amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including Siemens, Morgan Stanley, Nissan, Prepac, MPG Canada, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, and Shopify, have also pulled out the axe.

SEE ALSO
• Estée Lauder reportedly cut all Canadian staff in Hudson’s Bay stores
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re fired or let go at Algonquin College for any reason, 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.