NSNDP calls on Houston government to stand up for workers after Ubisoft closure

HALIFAX – Today, Official Opposition Labour Critic Paul Wozney wrote to Labour Minister Nolan Young to call on the Houston government to strengthen protections for workers, after the sudden closure of Ubisoft Halifax left 71 people without jobs shortly after they unionized.

Since 2017, Ubisoft has taken more than $11 million in provincial tax credits, including $1.78 million in 2025 alone. Ubisoft has also received nearly $100,000 in provincial grants and contributions since 2022.

“Seventy-one Nova Scotians lost their jobs shortly after exercising their right to unionize and the Houston government has been silent,” said Wozney. “Workers deserve better than our weak labour laws and a government that hands over public money to a company that treats their workers this way. Public investment must come with clear expectations that workers’ rights will be respected, and it’s long past time to modernize our labour laws so people aren’t punished for organizing.”

In his letter, Wozney raised serious concerns about government inaction, the use of public funds, and whether existing labour laws are being properly enforced.

Jon Huffman, lead programmer for Ubisoft Halifax, said the closure has left workers in a tough position.

“There are 71 real people behind this decision, and many of us are now facing life-changing questions. Do we leave the careers we’ve built, or do we leave Nova Scotia entirely and take our skills elsewhere?” said Huffman. “We were building our lives here because we wanted to be part of this province. We expected transparency and a chance to work with the company, but we weren’t given that option.”

New Democrats are calling on the Houston government to modernize Nova Scotia’s labour laws, streamline the unionization process, and strengthen protections for workers who choose to unionize.

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