Universal Music Canada (UMC) has initiated a series of staff layoffs affecting approximately 6–7% of its workforce, according to reporting by Billboard Canada. The reductions, which involve more than 12 employees across multiple departments, were communicated to staff during a company town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Workforce Reductions Across Departments
The layoffs impacted several divisions within the label, including communications, marketing, A&R, label partnerships, and administration. The cuts reached senior levels of the company, with at least one vice president and one senior manager among those affected. While Universal Music Canada maintains offices in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, the layoffs reportedly affected multiple offices.
According to Billboard Canada, the label employs approximately 205 people. A representative for UMC declined to comment on specific personnel matters but stated that the company remains Canada’s leading music company. The company maintained that the restructuring was driven by cost-cutting and restructuring reasons rather than individual performance.
Integration with Universal Music Europe
Following this organizational change, Julie Adam will report to Briegmann while continuing her role as president & CEO of UMC. A spokesperson for UMC stated that the timing of Briegmann’s appointment and the recent job cuts are unrelated. The move is intended to align the Canadian operations more closely with UMG’s global operations.
Billboard Canada Highlights Domestic Leadership
As the industry navigates these organizational shifts, Billboard Canada continues its focus on domestic leadership. Its inaugural 40 Under 40 list, which highlighted diverse luminaries such as Will Bracey of the Bieber Family Office, Kaytranada managers William Robillard Cole and Tamir Schlanger, Showpass founder Lucas McCarthy, and Amazon Music’s A. Harmony, is set to return with a celebration at SOUNDSTAGE on Nov. 20, 2026. Meanwhile, the broader Canadian music sector faces external pressures, with a 2025 CLMA economic assessment noting the industry contributes $10.92 billion annually. This trend has already impacted live music, forcing cancellations at festivals like London’s Rock the Park and Burlington’s Music in the Garden.
Why Universal Music Canada Cut Staff
Why did Universal Music Canada undergo these layoffs?
The company stated the layoffs were part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring effort. The decision was not based on individual employee performance.
How many employees were affected by the cuts?
The company reportedly let go of more than 12 staff members. Given that the company has approximately 205 employees, this represents a reduction of about 6–7% of the total workforce.
Does the promotion of Frank Briegmann relate to the staff reductions? A spokesperson for Universal Music Canada confirmed that the leadership changes and the job cuts are unrelated.
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