What to Do If You’ve Been Laid Off from Shopify in Ottawa

Shopify is one of Canada’s tech giants, with its headquarters based right in downtown Ottawa. While it was once a rapidly growing startup, Shopify has gone through several major rounds of layoffs in recent years, especially across product teams, UX, marketing, and ops.

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Steps to Take if You’ve Been Laid Off or Offered Severance:

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1. Read the Severance Offer Thoroughly

Shopify often gives laid-off employees an exit package with a short deadline. But don’t rush—you have the right to negotiate or get legal advice first.

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2. Know What You’re Entitled To

Shopify is known for including equity (RSUs), bonuses, or commission in total compensation. Your severance should reflect this—not just your base salary.

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3. Ask About Your Stock

Your RSU grant agreement should spell out what happens to vested and unvested shares. If it’s unclear, that’s a red flag—and a negotiable one.

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4. Speak With a Lawyer

Whether you’re a designer, engineer, or team lead, speaking to one of our employment lawyers is a smart move before signing anything.

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FAQs:

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Can I keep my stock or options?

You may be able to exercise vested RSUs, but unvested shares usually lapse. Sometimes you can negotiate accelerated vesting in a severance deal.

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What happens to my health benefits?

Shopify sometimes extends benefits post-termination. But this is not guaranteed and should be clarified in writing.

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What if I was on mat leave or sick leave?

If you were terminated while on a protected leave, you could have a human rights claim—get legal help ASAP.

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Why Choose Our Firm:

We’ve advised dozens of employees on equity, bonus claw backs, and exit agreements. If you’ve been let go, don’t go through it alone. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.