Ubisoft Layoffs 2026: News, Restructuring & Severance Pay in Canada
Ubisoft has reportedly closed its Winnipeg studio and laid off dozens of Canadian workers in June 2026. (Insider Gaming)
Multiple employees shared on LinkedIn that they’d been let go by the video game giant.
The bombshell update comes just months after Ubisoft cut approximately 40 roles at its Toronto studio in February.
If you’re a non-unionized worker or manager at Ubisoft in Canada, which is a provincially regulated employer, understanding these developments is the first step in ensuring your legal rights are protected.
Ubisoft Layoffs: A Timeline of Recent Job Cuts
Ubisoft has conducted multiple rounds of job cuts in recent years:
- Feb. 2026: Ubisoft has reportedly eliminated 40 roles at its Toronto studio as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
- June 2024: Ubisoft is laying off 33 employees at its Toronto studio as part of a targeted realignment.
- April 2024: Ubisoft has cut 45 jobs in its “Global Publishing central” and “APAC structures” to enhance the company’s “collective efficiency.”
- Nov. 2023: Ubisoft has eliminated 124 jobs as it reorganizes its Canadian studios. 98 of the affected positions were based in Canada.
Your Rights as a Non-Unionized Employee
Whether your departure is labelled a “layoff,” “restructuring,” or a “voluntary package,” your legal rights are governed by Canadian common law.
How Severance Pay Works
For non-unionized staff and managers at Ubisoft, severance pay isn’t determined by a single internal policy.
Instead, it’s based on the unique circumstances of your situation:
- The 24-Month rule: Depending on your age, length of service, and the nature of your role, you may be entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay.
- Managerial complexity: For managers, severance must often account for bonuses, RSUs, and stock options.
- Provincially regulated status: Because Ubisoft is a provincially regulated employer, specific rules under a province’s employment legislation apply alongside common law standards.
View Severance Rules by Province:
Defining Wrongful Dismissal
A “wrongful dismissal” is a specific legal term. It occurs whenever an employer in Canada terminates a non-unionized worker without “just cause” but fails to provide the proper amount of severance pay.
This isn’t a reflection of the company’s intent, but rather a calculation of whether the package meets the high standards set by Canadian courts.
If an employment contract’s termination clause is unenforceable, or if a “temporary layoff” is implemented without a prior written agreement, an employee may have a claim for full severance.
Recommended Steps for Affected Ubisoft Canada Staff
If you’ve been notified of job loss or offered a “voluntary departure” package at Ubisoft in Canada:
- Don’t sign anything immediately: You’re legally entitled to a reasonable period to review any offer. Signing a release prematurely can waive your right to pursue full compensation.
- Use the Severance Pay Calculator: Get an anonymous, instant estimate of your entitlements.
- Check your compensation: Ensure your offer includes all variable pay, including bonuses and benefits.
- Seek legal advice: An experienced employment lawyer can ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Ubisoft Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions
Are layoffs at Ubisoft permanent?
For non-unionized employees, a layoff is typically treated as a permanent termination of employment requiring full severance.
Can a manager at Ubisoft negotiate a better deal?
Yes. Initial offers from large employers often focus on minimum standards rather than full common law entitlements.
Does Ubisoft have to include bonuses in severance?
Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.
By law, unionized employees at Ubisoft must be represented by their union (not an employment lawyer) for severance and job security claims.
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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.