Two Canadian execs laid off from Musk-led Twitter

Both were long-time executives in Twitter's Canadian operations

BY Dexter Tilo 04 Nov. 2022

It seems that Twitter executives in Canada aren't safe from Elon Musk's layoffs, as two high-profile officials announced their departure from the social media giant on Friday. Paul Burns, managing director at Twitter's Canada operations, and Michele Austin, Twitter's director of public policy for the US and Canada, revealed on Friday that they’re leaving.

"I am heartbroken to announce that I've been laid off by Twitter Inc," said Austin on LinkedIn. "It's been the best, craziest, most rewarding 5 year ride of my career. I loved every single minute of it."

Austin first joined the company in March 2018 as head of public policy for Canada, before climbing to her most recent role as director of public policy.

"The skills, hustle and compassion I learned at Twitter have made me a better person. I will forever carry the #oneteam mindset forward," she said.

Meanwhile, Burns joined Twitter in July 2018, just months after Austin.

"It's been a wild last 4.5 years. To the people, friends, partners, and tweeps that made Twitter so special… Thank you for all the adventures. Love you all so much," said Burns on LinkedIn.

The news came amid reports that new Twitter CEO Elon Musk will be laying off employees on Friday. Bloomberg reported that approximately 3,700 employees will be getting cut and affected employees will receive 60 days of severance pay. Twitter, in an email to employees seen by Reuters, said the workforce reduction was an "effort to place Twitter on a healthy path." It asked its employees to stay at home while it shuttered its offices as the layoffs were carried out.