Goodwill closes 26 Ontario outlets amid 'cash flow crisis'

Goodwill has closed 16 stores and 10 donation centres across Ontario due to a “cash flow crisis,” the organization announced Sunday.

The sweeping closures affect more than 430 Goodwill employees and other stakeholders in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia and Brockville.

The closures went into effect Sunday. Two offices have also been shuttered.

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, Goodwill Industries CEO Keiko Nakamura called the closures “a fluid situation” and says the company will explore “a variety of options to continue its decades-long mission.”

The statement added that Goodwill is “exploring options” to continue its “mission.”

“Goodwill will be reaching out to the union, stakeholders and all levels of governments to bring clarity as soon as possible,” the statement said.

Goodwill Industries is a non-profit social enterprise that aims to provide job opportunities to people with disabilities and social disadvantages. The organization runs a network of thrift stores in Canada and the United States.

Legal concerns

The union representing 450 Goodwill employees says workers in Ontario were locked out of their jobs on Sunday without warning.

Union lawyer Denis Ellickson says the unannounced closure goes against the collective agreement between Goodwill and the union.

Union representatives met with company executives on Sunday evening, Ellickson said.

He added that most employees have been paid up to date.

Further updates from Goodwill are expected Monday.

With files from the Canadian Press and CP24