George Brown College to trim workforce despite February buyouts

What’s going on at George Brown College?

George Brown College is planning to cut jobs despite 64 staff members opting into voluntary severance packages, offered in February.

Here’s a breakdown of the employees that accepted the buyouts:

• 26 faculty members
• 23 support workers
• 15 administrators

While the move is expected to save the Toronto-based college over $8.9 million in salaries and benefits, President Dr. Gervan Fearon said in an email that it’s phase one of the post-secondary institution’s cost-cutting plan.

Phase two reportedly involves an additional 52 administrative positions being eliminated, while phase three will see additional job cuts and “role evaluations.”

“These are challenging steps, but they are necessary to stabilize our institution’s future,” Fearon’s email reads.

The bombshell announcement comes as colleges across the province grapple with lower enrolment from international students, stagnant provincial funding, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 George Brown College

If you’re fired or let go at George Brown 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 George Brown 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 George Brown 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.