Canadian workers represent 22% of total workforce, down from 56% a decade ago: report
TELUS’s recent workforce numbers give HR professionals a glimpse into the impacts of digital transformation, globalisation and cost pressures on roles, locations and skills.
The Vancouver-based tech company increased its global workforce in 2025 even as it cut hundreds of jobs in Canada and reduced headcount in its core telecom operations.
The company’s total employee base rose to 111,500 at the end of 2025, up from 106,800 a year earlier, a 4.5% increase, according to its annual report for 2025. Over the same period, the number of TELUS employees in Canada fell by 2,800, from 28,000 to 25,200 in 2025.
TELUS’s geographic mix has changed dramatically over the past decade. Canadian workers represented 22% of its total workforce in 2025, down from 35% five years ago (27,900) and 56% a decade ago (34,800), according to the Globe and Mail.
Digital strategy, M&A and voluntary exits
TELUS spokesperson Steve Beisswanger said the company is transitioning responsibilities for its TELUS Digital business to Canadian leadership and “unlocking meaningful synergies,” while deploying new technology “to drive international revenue growth, supported by targeted expansion in key markets,” the Globe and Mail reported.
Alongside M&A, TELUS has continued to use voluntary job reductions as a key workforce-management lever. In 2025, the company again offered severance packages to about 700 employees, matching the previous year. TELUS said these buyouts were driven by rapid transformation in the telecom industry and growing customer demand for self-serve options.
The offers included technicians who handle installation and repair work, as well as call-centre agents serving business accounts, signalling where the company sees the greatest impact from technology and changing customer behaviour.
Earlier this year, the company expanded its voluntary buyout offers. Acquisitions have helped offset some job losses in parts of the TELUS business. In May 2025, TELUS Health acquired Workplace Options, an employee health business based in Raleigh, N.C.
Leadership transition at TELUS
In February, TELUS also announced that the company’s president and CEO, Darren Entwistle, will retire on June 30, 2026. That marks the end of his 26-year tenure leading the organisation through major technological and structural shifts.
The board expressed "profound gratitude" to Entwistle for his "transformational leadership: "Darren's dedication to building world-leading broadband and AI infrastructure, expanding our business portfolio, creating immense value in the TELUS brand and fostering a culture of excellence has grown TELUS from a regional Canadian telecommunications provider to a leading global communications technology company.”
Taking his place at the helm will be Victor Dodig, effective July 1. Dodig, who has served on the TELUS Board of Directors as an independent director since May 2022, is now CEO designate and will join the TELUS leadership team full-time on May 1, 2026.
"Victor’s tremendous skills, CEO expertise and deep experience will effectively complement TELUS’ strong leadership team to continue to drive value creation in the years ahead," said Entwistle.
