February 1959

A.V. Roe Canada laid off more than 14,000 employees on February 20, 1959, following Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's announcement that the Avro Arrow aircraft and Iroquois engine development would be terminated. The layoffs occurred the same afternoon as the cancellation announcement, with additional job losses estimated at 25,000 to 60,000 when supplier and subcontractor positions are included.