Hot Docs laying off staff, closing flagship theatre over ‘urgent financial challenges’

The Hot Docs Film Festival, Canada’s largest film festival, has announced the temporary closure of its flagship Toronto theatre and the laying off of staff due to financial difficulties.

Starting June 12, the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema will be closed for approximately three months.

Temporary layoffs and strategic planning

• Temporary layoffs: The closure will lead to temporary layoffs as Hot Docs seeks a path back to profitability.
• Strategic planning: Organizers said they will use this time to “regroup and engage in critical strategic planning to address [their] financial deficit.”
• Financial situation: Despite recent successes in attendance, box office sales, and membership sales, the festival’s financial situation remains serious.
• Support appeal: Earlier this year, new president Marie Nelson warned that the festival was in jeopardy and appealed for assistance.

Refunds and event rescheduling

Hot Docs has assured patrons that anyone who purchased a ticket for screenings or events after June 12 will receive an automatic refund.

Patrons will be notified if certain events are rescheduled or moved to a different venue.

Internal challenges and resignations

• Board resignations: Two high-profile board members resigned just days before the festival began, reducing the board from 24 members last year to 13.
• Employee resignations: This follows the resignation of 10 employees who cited an “unprofessional and discriminatory environment.”
• Artistic director: Additionally, artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy stepped down in March, shortly after his arrival.

Rights for non-union Hot Docs employees

When facing a layoff, it’s crucial for non-unionized employees to understand their employment rights, especially in a scenario like the closure of Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Here are some key points to consider if you’re affected by this layoff:

Severance pay

Non-unionized employees at Hot Docs can receive up to 24 months of severance pay when laid off or terminated without cause. This applies to full-time, part-time, and hourly workers. Factors such as age, position, income, bonus, and ability to find new work determine how much severance you should receive.

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 proper entitlements. If the offer falls short, you may 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.

Temporary layoffs

Temporary layoffs occur when an employer significantly reduces or completely stops an individual’s employment. Because of this, a temporary layoff is considered an illegal change to an employee’s job.

Non-unionized employees, including those laid off from Hot Docs, can treat this type of layoff as a termination. An employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you pursue a constructive dismissal and obtain full severance.

How Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help

The experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals across the country.

In addition to constructive dismissal claims, our team has experience securing solutions for the following employment matters:

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. stand ready to help you solve your workplace issues.

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