Humber Polytechnic Layoffs: What’s Happening, Who’s Affected & Severance Rights

Humber Polytechnic is offering voluntary severance packages in an effort to trim its workforce — warning that deeper job cuts could follow if not enough staffers opt into the exit program by March 9, 2026. (CTV News)

“While we are taking every step to minimize impact on our people, the reality is that workforce reductions may be required,” President Ann Marie Vaughan said in a letter to employees.

“These choices are difficult, but necessary. They reflect the scope of our financial challenge, rather than the performance of our people.”

This page explains:

• What’s happening with layoffs at Humber Polytechnic
• Who’s most affected
• Whether a layoff at Humber Polytechnic is permanent
• How much severance employees at Humber Polytechnic may be owed
• What to do before signing a severance offer

Who’s Eligible for Buyouts at Humber Polytechnic?

Humber Polytechnic said the Voluntary Employee Exit Program (VEEP) is open to:

• All full-time employees
• Members of the executive team

The Toronto-based college is a provincially regulated employer — meaning most non-unionized employees are governed provincial employment standards, not the Canada Labour Code.

Is a Layoff at Humber Polytechnic Temporary or Permanent?

For non-unionized employees at Humber Polytechnic, a layoff is almost always treated as a termination without cause, even if the following language is used:

• “Restructuring”
• “Reorganization”
• “Transformation”
• “Temporary layoff”

Unless your employment contract explicitly allows for Humber Polytechnic to temporarily lay you off, the company can’t place you on indefinite layoff without terminating your employment — meaning they must provide full severance pay.

Severance Pay for Staff at Humber Polytechnic

Non-unionized employees, including those at Humber Polytechnic, are often owed far more severance pay than what’s outlined in their initial offer.

Severance is based on common law entitlements, not just minimum standards. Factors include:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position and seniority
• Availability of comparable jobs

It’s not uncommon for employees at Humber Polytechnic to be owed up to 24 months of compensation.

Severance may include:

• Base salary
• Continued benefits
• Bonus and incentive compensation
• Stock, equity, or RRSP contributions (where applicable)
• Vacation pay
• Other earned compensation

First offers often:

• Cover only minimum entitlements
• Exclude bonuses or incentives
• Impose short signing deadlines
• Undervalue long-service or senior employees

Severance Offers: Common Problems

Canadian employees affected by layoffs frequently report issues such as:

• Severance offers far below legal entitlements
• Missing or unclear compensation breakdowns
• Benefits cut off too early
• Bonuses excluded without justification
• “Temporary layoff” language used improperly
• Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours

Wrongful Dismissal and Humber Polytechnic Layoffs

A wrongful dismissal occurs when major employers, including Humber Polytechnic, fail to provide full severance required under common law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance offer is too low
• A termination clause isn’t enforceable
• You were pressured to accept your severance offer on the spot
• Bonuses or benefits were excluded from your severance package
• You were terminated while on medical, parental, or disability leave
• Humber Polytechnic labelled your termination a “temporary layoff” without contractual authority

Large-scale layoffs at Humber Polytechnic don’t reduce their legal obligations.

Laid Off at Humber Polytechnic? Next Steps

If you’ve been laid off at Humber Polytechnic:

1. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
2. Gather your employment contract, bonus plans, and benefits information
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator to double-check your entitlements
4. Keep records of your role, compensation, and length of service
5. Speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything

Humber Polytechnic Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much severance can Humber Polytechnic employees receive?

Up to 24 months — depending on age, service, and position.

Are Humber Polytechnic layoffs permanent?

For non-unionized employees, yes. A layoff is typically a termination.

Does Humber Polytechnic have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Can Humber Polytechnic terminate employees on leave?

This can raise serious wrongful dismissal and human rights issues.

Can employment lawyers represent unionized Humber Polytechnic staff?

No. Unionized employees at Humber Polytechnic must go through their union.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If Humber Polytechnic has laid you off, or offered a severance/buyout package, don’t do anything before seeking legal advice.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, one of Canada’s most reviewed employment law firms, has helped more than 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

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.