Bell has laid off nearly 700 employees—650 management roles and 40 Bell Media staff—as part of a three-year restructuring plan aimed at saving $1.5 billion by 2028. The cuts, which represent under 2% of Bell’s workforce, are intended to streamline operations and accelerate the company’s shift toward digital media. They follow several years of significant reductions, including a 9% workforce cut in 2024 and voluntary buyout programs earlier this year.

The timing has sparked frustration online, with many Canadians criticizing holiday-season layoffs and questioning Bell’s leadership. HR experts warn that job cuts during this period can heighten financial stress, damage morale, and increase the likelihood of legal action, emphasizing the need for clear communication and strong support for affected workers.

These layoffs come amid a cooling Canadian job market, where higher interest rates and slower economic growth have led major employers—especially in tech, telecom, and media—to trim staff. Bell’s reductions reflect a broader trend of companies restructuring to manage costs and adapt to rapid digital change, leaving many Canadian workers facing growing uncertainty.

If you’ve been laid off, here’s what you can do next:

• Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) as soon as possible.

• Ask your employer about any severance pay or final compensation you may be entitled to.

• Explore retraining or education opportunities—many provinces are now offering new funding and support for career transitions.

• Speak with an employment lawyer. A lawyer can explain your rights and guide you through your next steps to make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

Have you been laid off by Bell in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Kerrisa Wilson’s original article, “Bell axes nearly 700 jobs: Canadians react, HR expert explains impact of holiday layoffs” was published in NOW Toronto on November 21, 2025. Read the Full NOW Toronto story.

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