Ubisoft Workers Canada

CWA Canada Local 30111

The closure of Ubisoft Halifax has deeply affected workers, their families, and the broader game development community in Nova Scotia. Since then, we’ve received messages of solidarity from across the community recognizing the human cost of this decision and the value of the workers affected. This page gathers those statements in support of Ubisoft Halifax workers and their fight for fair treatment.

My friends, While I cannot be with you in person, know that I am holding your struggle deeply in my heart right now. Three weeks. That’s how long it took this multi-million dollar company to decide they would rather shut down than treat workers with respect. After receiving nearly a billion dollars in subsidies from the provincial and federal government, Ubisoft shamelessly decided to close up shop rather than negotiate in good faith with their workers. Ubisoft did the corporate version of dine and dash: they got to enjoy a full meal of subsidies and tax breaks, made profits, and ran off when it came time to fulfill its end of the bargain. Where are the consequences? What is the Prime Minister doing about this? Friends, what Ubisoft did should be explicitly illegal. The government needs to demand that Ubisoft return every last cent of the millions they’ve taken in public subsidies. No more tax dollars for union busters! More importantly, these deals need to be written in stone: ironclad protections for workers before a cent of public money is poured into corporate coffers. We need a government that stands up for workers and pushes back against corporate greed. One that remembers who sends them to Ottawa. Newsflash: it’s not foreign-owned companies who shut down their doors once the workers organize. It’s the workers. People like you and your neighbours. My friends, while I am not with you in person, I am deeply committed to fight alongside you in this struggle. Keep up the fight! You are not alone. Avi Lewis
Statement Regarding Ubisoft Halifax Closure We were shocked and saddened to hear the closure of Ubisoft Halifax. At Dal Interactive GameDev, many members aspire to work in the games industry. Ubisoft Halifax offered tremendous support to students throughout the years with their help with events, and supporting the ISNS. Additionally, the Ubisoft Halifax co-op program has shown many students what it's like to work in the game development industry, and for some even started continued careers in games. With this closure, as well as that of Alpha Dog by Bethesda in 2024, we express our deepest sympathy to the workers affected by the studio closures enacted by parent companies. The local industry has taken some hits, and prospective developers may worry they must move location or industry. However, It is far from gone. We plea to students passionate in games to not be deterred in pursuing this field we all love. With this, Dal Interactive GameDev will be taking action to support students and the local industry as much as possible. – We will support the Dalhousie co-op office to secure more game related co-op positions for students. – We are partnering with Game Makers 4 Co-operative Future to support efforts in helping game worker cooperatives form. – We will continue organizing the DIG Game Conference at the Dal Games Expo to help connect game developers and students in the area. – We will continue to organize events to support students and the industry such as workshops, game jams, networking events, and panels. There is something truly special with the Atlantic games industry. Let’s not let the flame die out.