TORONTO -- Walmart Canada says it has laid off 210 people, most at its head office in Mississauga, Ont., just west of Toronto.
The retail giant handed out the pink slips earlier Tuesday, with both management and non-management positions affected.
It says the positions being eliminated are at the head office and in field management.
"The changes are designed to create a more efficient organizational structure as the company positions itself competitively for the future," Andrew Pelletier, the company's vice-president of corporate affairs and sustainability, said in an emailed statement.
The company said it was offering severance packages and access to career counselling services to those being let go.
"It is difficult to say goodbye to colleagues who are affected by this change," he said. "We are extremely grateful for their contributions and will ensure they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
Pelletier also noted that the announced job losses account of 0.3 per cent of Walmart Canada's total workforce, but did not say what proportion these positions make up at head office. The losses do not affect any store-level positions.
Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has been trying to boost sales at its stores, particularly in the U.S. as it faces increased competition from online retailers, dollar stores and drug stores
