Looks like Canada is first on the reduction list for BlackBerry. Earlier this week 300 people were axed from the Waterloo headquarters, now it’s spreading to the East Coast.
The long standing relationship between the province of Nova Scotia and BlackBerry is coming to an end. Several reports today are indicating that BlackBerry will be shutting down its Bedford N.S. office on January 10th, plus cutting 315 jobs from its roster. All is not completely over as 35 staff will be offered positions to work from home.
BlackBerry confirmed the reductions, noting “We know that our employees in the Halifax area have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions. This is difficult news for them and for the Halifax community. However, these changes are necessary in order to refocus our business to drive the company toward profitability and success in a maturing and more competitive mobile industry.”
In February BlackBerry and Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter agreed to help build the community by creating a “BlackBerry 10 Centre of Excellence.” This would see the province fork over $2 million a year for the next 5 years, but only if BlackBerry created at least 400 jobs. With this news of the office closure and jobs cuts, BlackBerry has committed to return the $2 million that they’ve received this year.
Unfortunate.
Source: Chronicle Herald
(Thanks Todd!)
