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| Ubisoft Halifax studio signage at the company’s Nova Scotia location. |
By Jon Scarr
CWA Canada has vowed to pursue legal options and demand answers from Ubisoft following the company’s decision to shut down its Halifax studio, a move that will affect 71 workers.
The union’s response comes weeks after employees at the Nova Scotia studio successfully voted to unionize, forming Ubisoft’s first North American union.
CWA Canada Responds to Ubisoft Halifax Closure
In a statement released January 7, CWA Canada said it will “pursue every legal recourse” to protect its members at Ubisoft Halifax and ensure their rights are respected.
“Today’s news is devastating,” said CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth. “We will pursue every legal recourse to ensure that the rights of these workers are respected and not infringed in any way.”
The union emphasized that while the timing of Ubisoft’s decision raises questions, it is not making any direct accusations.
In Canada, it is unlawful for a business to close because its workers choose to unionize. CWA Canada stressed that it is not claiming this is what happened in Halifax, but said it will be seeking detailed information from Ubisoft to understand the reasoning behind the closure.
Union Vote Took Place Weeks Earlier
Just days before Christmas, workers at the Halifax studio confirmed the successful certification of their union, joining the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada, Local 30111. The effort followed months of organizing that began in June 2025.
More than 70 percent of eligible workers voted in favour of unionizing, with full participation from those eligible to vote, making Ubisoft Halifax the first Ubisoft studio in North America to unionize.
Ubisoft Says Closure Is Unrelated
Ubisoft previously stated that the decision to close the Halifax studio was part of long-running company-wide efforts to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. The company has said these actions began well before the unionization process.
A spokesperson also noted that Ubisoft continues to recognize and work with unionized teams in other regions.
We covered Ubisoft’s announcement earlier this week when the company confirmed it would shut down the Halifax studio as part of broader restructuring, affecting 71 positions. That report is available here.
Workers Say They Remain United
Jon Huffman, a member of the Ubisoft Halifax union organizing committee, said workers are standing together as they process the news.
“We’re obviously disappointed by this news and fully intend to support each other through this difficult time,” Huffman said.
The Halifax union is part of CWA Canada Local 30111, which also represents game workers at Bethesda Game Studios in Montreal, along with staff in other media and digital industries across the country.
Questions Continue as Process Moves Forward
CWA Canada said it will be seeking information from Ubisoft about the decision-making process behind the closure and will take further steps as appropriate under Canadian labour law.
As the situation develops, the Halifax closure continues to draw attention across the games industry, particularly as discussions around job security, unionization, and long-term stability remain front of mind for developers.
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