On January 14, 2026, it was reported that Statistics Canada is cutting approximately 850 positions and reducing its executive team by about 12% as it enters a “workforce adjustment period” (Global News). Statistics Canada also stated that it expects to inform affected and surplus employees within the next two weeks (Global News). CTV News Ottawa also reported that Statistics Canada’s reductions are expected to occur over the next two years and include an initial round affecting approximately 100 positions (CTV News Ottawa).
If you work at Statistics Canada and have been affected by a layoff, workforce adjustment, or termination, it is important to understand your rights before signing anything.
This page is designed for non-union employees (including executives) at Statistics Canada who want to understand their legal rights before signing any severance offer, exit package, or release.
Statistics Canada indicated the process will follow the applicable Workforce Adjustment Directive and/or the relevant collective agreement (Canadian HR Reporter).
If you are represented by a union, contact your union before signing anything. If you are not unionized, it is important to get employment law advice before signing any termination or severance documentation.
Who May Be Affected?
Public reporting indicates the reductions include both employee job cuts and executive reductions (Global News). Canadian HR Reporter reported that around 100 staff could be told they are surplus in an early wave, with further reductions expected (Canadian HR Reporter). CTV News Ottawa also reported that approximately 100 positions are affected in an initial round of reductions (CTV News Ottawa).
If you are affected by the job cuts, you may receive:
- a workforce adjustment notice
- a termination notice
- a severance or exit offer
- a deadline to sign a release
Severance Factors (Non-Union / Executive Employees)
If you are not represented by a union, severance entitlements in Canada can be influenced by factors including:
- Length of service
- Age
- Position held
- Availability of similar employment in the market
It is important to carefully review any severance offer, as it may not reflect the full amount you are legally entitled to receive.
Wondering what you’re owed? Use our Severance Pay Calculator to estimate your potential entitlement based on your age, tenure, and role.
Potential Issues With Workforce Adjustment / Termination Notices
Even when a job loss is described as a “workforce adjustment,” employees can still face issues such as:
- Insufficient notice or unclear timelines
- Pressure to sign quickly, including deadlines that discourage employees from getting advice
- Incomplete compensation details (benefits, pension implications, vacation pay, or other entitlements not clearly explained)
- Release language that is broader than necessary
Common Red Flags in Exit Packages
- Short turnaround times or “sign-by” deadlines
- All-inclusive offers with no breakdown or explanation
- Missing information about benefits continuation, pension impact, or compensation treatment
- Unclear wording about “surplus,” “affected,” or “workforce adjustment” with no clear explanation of what it means
Legal Options for Non-Union / Executive Employees
If you are not represented by a union, you may have legal options if termination paperwork is mishandled, the terms offered are unfair, or you are pressured into signing an overly broad release.
If you are uncertain about what you have been offered or what you may be giving up, get legal advice before signing.
How Monkhouse Law Can Help
At Monkhouse Law, we help non-union employees understand termination paperwork and exit packages before they sign.
- A free 30-minute phone consultation to review what you’ve been offered
- Advice on your rights based on your specific circumstances
- Negotiation support where appropriate
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been impacted by Statistics Canada job cuts, you are not unionized, and you’ve been asked to sign anything (including a release), contact Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers for a free consultation before signing.