Aria NguyenBell Media cut 60 positions in February 2026, including 11 journalists across its national news division — and CP24, one of Canada's most-watched 24-hour news channels, sits at the centre of a broader CRTC licence battle that could reshape local broadcasting by August 2026. For the workers affected, the question isn't just about the industry's future: it's about knowing their rights right now.
What Happened at Bell Media in 2026
On February 4, 2026, Bell Media confirmed the elimination of approximately 60 roles across CTV National News, CTV regional stations in Halifax, Edmonton, North Bay, and Calgary, as well as traffic, scheduling, and promotional positions in Toronto. Among those let go: 11 Unifor-represented journalists.
Bell Media maintained that "no newsgathering or reporting roles" were cut. Unifor, the union representing thousands of Canadian media workers, pushed back hard. National President Lana Payne called the situation a "crisis in Canadian newsrooms," arguing the cuts directly struck at editorial capacity. This latest round continues a pattern of restructuring that has seen Bell eliminate hundreds of positions across its broadcast properties since 2023.
Separately, Bell has asked the CRTC to eliminate the requirement that English-language television stations in major markets broadcast at least 14 hours of local programming per week. CP24, CTV News Channel, and BNN Bloomberg were cited as being under serious financial strain. The CRTC extended Bell's broadcast licences to August 2026 — a deadline now looming large over the future of CP24 and dozens of journalist jobs.
The Employment Law Questions Workers Are Asking
When a major employer like Bell Media eliminates dozens of positions, affected workers — unionized and non-unionized alike — often don't know where they stand legally. Employment lawyers across Canada are fielding exactly these calls right now.
What severance are laid-off CP24 employees actually entitled to?
Canada's employment law creates two parallel tracks depending on whether an employee is covered by a collective agreement (like Unifor-represented staff) or an individual contract. The Canada Labour Code sets out minimum protections for all federally regulated workers.
For unionized workers, the collective agreement governs severance. These agreements typically include notice periods, recall rights, and severance formulas tied to years of service. If Bell Media's characterization of the cuts differs from the union's, grievance arbitration becomes the remedy — and this process can take months.
For non-unionized employees, the picture is more nuanced. Under the Canada Labour Code (which applies to federally regulated employers like Bell Media), employees are entitled to written notice or pay in lieu, tied to length of service. But courts have long recognized that the Canada Labour Code minimums are a floor, not a ceiling. Common law "reasonable notice" — the amount courts would award if a dismissed employee sued for wrongful dismissal — is almost always higher, especially for senior or specialized roles like journalism.
What factors influence reasonable notice in media?
Employment lawyers look at four main variables, established in the Bardal v. Globe and Mail case from 1960 — still the leading Canadian test:
- Character of employment: Specialized roles like broadcast journalism typically attract longer notice periods than general administrative work.
- Length of service: A journalist with 15 years at CP24 is in a fundamentally different legal position than one with 18 months.
- Age: Older workers often receive longer notice periods, recognizing the harder job market they face.
- Availability of similar employment: The contraction of Canadian broadcast media — itself partly why Bell is cutting — paradoxically strengthens a laid-off journalist's case, since comparable positions are genuinely harder to find.
In practice, courts have awarded laid-off journalists anywhere from 4 to 24 months of pay, depending on these factors. Many cases settle before trial once both sides understand the range.
CRTC Decision: Why It Matters for Everyone
The CRTC licence renewal process, set for August 2026, is not just a regulatory footnote. If the CRTC agrees to reduce or eliminate local programming hour requirements for Bell's channels, CP24's staffing levels could shrink further — this time with regulatory approval built in.
According to the CRTC's own mandate, local news is considered a public interest obligation. Granting Bell's request would signal a fundamental shift in how Canadian regulators value local broadcasting. Critics argue it would accelerate a media consolidation trend that already leaves many Canadian communities with diminished local coverage.
For workers and viewers alike, the August 2026 decision is worth watching closely. Intervening in CRTC licence hearings is a right available to any Canadian with standing — including unions, journalism associations, and concerned citizens.
What Workers Should Do Now
If you or someone you know was laid off as part of the Bell Media restructuring, employment lawyers advise the following practical steps:
Do not sign anything immediately. Severance agreements almost always include a release of claims against the employer. Once signed, that release is binding. Taking time to review the package — ideally with legal counsel — can make a significant difference in what you ultimately receive.
Document everything. Save emails, employment contracts, performance reviews, and any correspondence related to the dismissal. These documents establish your tenure, role level, and any promises made about job security.
Understand the distinction between minimum and maximum entitlements. Bell Media's HR team will present the Canada Labour Code minimum. An employment lawyer will tell you what the common law would likely award. The gap can be substantial.
Check for group termination rules. When 50 or more employees are dismissed from a federally regulated employer within a four-week period, additional notice obligations under the Canada Labour Code may be triggered. The February 2026 cuts may have approached this threshold across Bell's combined properties.
The Broader Picture for Canadian Journalism
The CP24 situation is a microcosm of the pressures facing Canadian broadcast media. Declining advertising revenues, cord-cutting, and the rise of digital-first news have squeezed legacy broadcasters for years. Bell's appeal to the CRTC is, in part, an admission that the traditional regulatory bargain — spectrum access in exchange for local programming obligations — may no longer be sustainable under current economics.
Yet the legal protections available to displaced workers remain robust. Canada's employment law framework, built up over decades of litigation and legislative reform, gives laid-off journalists real tools to protect their financial security during transitions.
For anyone navigating a media industry layoff in 2026, consulting an employment lawyer early — before signing any paperwork — is the single most effective step available. An expert can assess whether the package offered reflects true legal entitlement or simply the minimum an employer hopes employees will accept.
This article provides general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law outcomes depend on individual facts and circumstances. Consult a qualified employment lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
