MaRS Layoffs: 20 positions reportedly axed, ‘resetting’ business model

What’s happening at MaRS?

MaRS Discovery District (MaRS) has trimmed its headcount as part of a restructuring.

While the Toronto-based agency wouldn’t comment on the exact number of jobs cut, a source told The Globe and Mail that approximately 20 positions have been axed — many at the top level of the organization.

“[We are] resetting our business model, which includes seeking to significantly increase engagement with the private sector and philanthropic circles while we continue to partner with all levels of government,” CEO Alison Nankivell said in a statement to the Globe.

“Our path forward necessitates changes towards a more agile and lean organizational structure that reduces hierarchy and leaderships roles in favour of a reallocation of resources to support programming that more effectively supports founders, fosters even greater ecosystem collaboration, and ultimately increases our impact.”

According to LinkedIn, MaRS employs more than 320 people in Canada.

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Termination agreements for MaRS employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees at MaRS are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

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

People working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what rights employees have if they are being fired or let go on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

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 entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you 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.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance during mass layoffs
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Major layoffs continue

The job cuts at MaRS come amid a flurry of layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including Microsoft, Home Hardware, Lucid Motors, Tesla, Laurentian Bank, Indeed, Kenvue, Google, and Amazon, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Bayer slashing 1,500 jobs in major 2024 restructuring
• Whirlpool Layoffs: 1,000 positions axed amid slow home sales
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

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