Singh says workers should be paid first when companies like Hudson Bay go bankrupt

TORONTO — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says that workers should be paid ahead of creditors when companies like Hudson Bay file for bankruptcy.

The NDP leader began the third week of the campaign meeting with Hudson Bay employees who are going to be laid off when the stores they work at close.

Singh says an NDP government would give “super priority” protections to employees who lose their jobs when a company closes.

This includes making sure that unpaid wages, benefits and severance are paid out before money goes to creditors.

Singh adds that he’d change competition rules to ensure a foreign entity can only buy a Canadian company if they show there will be a “net benefit” for the economy and it won’t be sold off for parts.

Most of the Hudson Bay employees Singh met with say they’ve worked for the company for over 20 years and are worried about finding new employment given their respective ages.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2025.

David Baxter, The Canadian Press