Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour on Ubisoft Halifax layoffs

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is deeply concerned by the sudden announcement of layoffs and the closure of Ubisoft’s Halifax studio, which has left dozens of skilled workers without jobs and has shaken confidence in the province’s growing tech and creative sectors.

These layoffs come at a troubling time, occurring shortly after workers at the studio exercised their democratic right to form a union. While Ubisoft has cited corporate restructuring, the timing of this decision raises serious questions that must be answered transparently and fully. Workers have the legal right to organize without fear of reprisal, and any action that undermines that right must be scrutinized.

The Federation stands in solidarity with the affected workers and their union, and we support all efforts to ensure that labour laws are upheld and that workers receive fair treatment, proper severance, and access to all legal protections available to them. No worker should be punished for standing up for better working conditions.

This situation also highlights the urgent need for stronger labour protections in Nova Scotia. Our province must ensure that companies benefiting from public investment and a skilled local workforce are held accountable when they make decisions that harm workers and communities.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour will continue to advocate for fairness, transparency, and respect for workers’ rights, and we call on both the employer and government to take this matter seriously and act in the best interests of Nova Scotia workers.