Island Health Layoffs: August 2025 Update & Severance Pay Explained
Latest Island Health Layoff Update
August 5, 2025
Island Health confirmed 117 job cuts tied to the province’s “Better Care, Better Value” directive. The reductions include leadership roles and project staff, with more changes expected as part of ongoing health system restructuring.
• Island Health Confirms 117 Job Cuts Under ‘Better Care, Better Value’ Initiative
• CHEK News
If you’ve been laid off from Island Health, you may be entitled to up to 24 months’ severance pay. Learn your rights and the exact steps to take below.
Do You Qualify for Severance Pay?
Non-unionized Island Health employees are often entitled to significant compensation—up to 24 months’ pay—when let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
A wrongful dismissal in BC occurs if Island Health terminates you without cause—or incorrectly “for cause“—and doesn’t provide the correct amount of BC severance pay.
What To Do After a Layoff
- Don’t Sign Anything Right Away: Review all documents carefully. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
- Use the Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate your entitlements quickly.
- Contact an Employment Lawyer: Get legal help from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to negotiate a better severance package.
- Keep Documentation: Save all termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
- Start Job Hunting Proactively: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.
Timeline of Island Health Layoff Events
| Date | Layoff Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The health authority confirms 117 job cuts under its ongoing restructuring effort. | Details | |
| Island Health cut a VP and several executive directors | Details |
📺 Watch: Layoff Rights Explained
FAQs About Severance & Termination
👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?
👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?
👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.
HBC Restores Severance Pay After Lawyer’s Intervention
Hudson’s Bay reinstated full severance packages for a group of laid off employees after significant public outcry and the legal advocacy of Lior Samfiru. As reported by Global News, this outcome highlights the importance of standing up for employee rights and getting legal support.
Big Win for Short-Service Executive
In Perretta v. Rand A Technology Corporation, a sales professional refused to settle for less when her employer tried to tie severance to an unfair release. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP on her side, she walked away with six months of severance — a bold win.
33 Years: A Payout to Sink Your Teeth Into
After decades of loyal service at an Ottawa dental practice, a hygienist refused unfair new terms following a sale. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP by her side, she secured 24 months’ severance, benefits, and legal costs — proof that dedication deserves justice.
Lost Your Job at Island Health? Get Help Now
If you’ve been let go, don’t sign anything until you speak to an employment lawyer. Your employer may be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our BC employment lawyers based in Vancouver can help you get what you’re owed.
If you’ve been let go from Island Health, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options. Our team has supported Island Health employees in similar situations, helping them understand their rights, push back on inadequate severance offers, and secure fair compensation under the law.
- 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
- 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
- ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
- ⭐ 501 5-star Google reviews across BC (4.7 average)
- 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail
* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.
Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation.
You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues. You’re governed by your collective bargaining agreement.
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.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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