Ontario Superior Court Approves Hardship Programs for the Nonunion Employees of the Hudson's Bay Company.

The article focuses on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice's approval in February 2026 of three hardship programs for nonunionized employees terminated during the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) insolvency proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). These programs include a Trust Program to extend long-term disability (LTD) benefits, a Woodwards Replacement Policy for a former Woodward's employee, and an Employee Hardship Program providing financial assistance to terminated employees, retirees, and dependants facing exceptional hardships. Funded by a trust originally established by Zellers Limited and reserves held by Manulife, the programs aim to alleviate hardships while avoiding costly litigation, with oversight and appeal mechanisms in place. The court also granted related relief including releases, declaratory orders to protect recipients from employment insurance obligations, and sealing orders to safeguard sensitive personal information.