NDP leader Avi Lewis wants Ottawa to help BioWare staff buy the studio from EA

EA announced a restructuring on Oct 21 that closes BioWare in Edmonton, Alberta, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age. It reportedly costs 400 jobs.

Lewis linked the closure to the $55 billion takeover of EA by an investor group, approved in December 2025.

They should be given the first opportunity — and the federal support — to buy it and run it themselves.

— Avi Lewis, NDP leader

And us?

Federal and provincial tax relief helps video game studios cover costs, which is why many have a permanent base in Canadian cities.