Unifor announced late Wednesday that 45 of its members working at the network in Alberta and B.C. had been subjected to layoffs, with an additional member impacted in the Eastern bargaining unit. Of the 46 jobs affected, the union said 26 are journalists.

A Corus spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue on Thursday that the new round of layoffs is just the latest measure taken as part of an ongoing efficiency review process.

“As part of our efficiency review process across Corus, we have made some difficult but necessary changes to create a more sustainable future for the company and our News division,” the spokesperson said, in an emailed statement. “We are applying new workflows and ways of working, using the latest technology that will enable us to pave the way forward for the future of Global News. As a result, certain roles within some stations have been impacted.”

“Corus’ commitment to serving our audience across the country remains stronger than ever, and we will continue to tell important local news stories that matter to Canadians,” she added. “Corus is committed to providing information to our audiences and remain dedicated to upholding our responsibility as a trusted new source.”

In its Q3 earnings report in June, the company said it was anticipating a further year-over-year TV advertising revenue decline of 20% in Q4, citing geopolitical and economic uncertainty and an over-supply of premium digital video inventory from foreign competitors.

Corus slashed employee costs by seven per cent in the third quarter. The company last undertook major layoffs in the Global News division in August 2024 that resulted in more resource-sharing between the Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge TV newsrooms, among other changes. The company reorganized its Audio division in August 2023, and this past June made a sweeping round of layoffs that primarily impacted its Ottawa radio properties. The company has also paused new productions at its children’s content studio, Nelvana.

Corus shares on the TSX on Thursday morning were trading down slightly, hovering around nine cents.

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According to the union, the cuts have impacted members in B.C. and Alberta, with one member in the Eastern bargaining unit. Of the 46 jobs impacted, 26 are journalists.

“The most recent Global News layoffs are a devastating blow to local news across the country and to our democracy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, in a statement. “We will support our members through this difficult and uncertain time.”

A source to Broadcast Dialogue said the main teams hit at Global BC, included those working in online, as well as techs and part-time editors.

More to come.

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After serving the community for 68 years with local news, weather, and sports, the union says the loss of this station is not just a blow to workers, but is “a significant step backward for democratic accountability and media diversity in Canada.”

“The shuttering of CHAT-TV is not just the end of a station—it’s the loss of a legacy in Canadian news,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, in a release. “At a time when disinformation spreads faster than facts and our sovereignty is challenged by foreign media dominance, we must act now. Canadian journalism is worth saving. We need immediate investment in local newsrooms—not more cuts.”

In an announcement Tuesday, Pattison Media cited insurmountable financial pressures and the erosion of local TV advertising revenue as key factors in the decision. The union calls the decision “the latest blow to Canadian journalism,” underscoring “a crisis that continues to deepen in communities across the country.”

“This is about more than job loss—it’s about the disappearance of our local voice and the stories that bind our communities,” said Unifor Local 1010 President Andrew Parry. “For generations, CHAT-TV told the stories of Medicine Hat. The closure leaves a dangerous void and risks turning our city into another news desert where critical local coverage is simply no longer available.”

Unifor, which represents more than 10,000 media workers across the country, says it’s continuing to advocate for structural reforms to ensure the survival of Canadian journalism, including stronger provisions in the Online Streaming Act requiring foreign streamers operating in Canada to contribute to local news production, in line with the obligations of domestic broadcasters.

“The closure of CHAT-TV is heartbreaking, but it’s not an isolated case. This is happening in community after community,” added Payne. “If we continue to lose local news, we lose a cornerstone of democracy.”

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