The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum will reduce their permanent staff by 18% over the next three years following cuts outlined in the federal budget. Avra Gibbs-Lamey, spokesperson for the history museum, which oversees the war museum as well, informed Radio-Canada that permanent staff will decrease from 371 to 304. She noted that many of the positions being eliminated are corporate roles that serve both institutions, with a 24% reduction in management positions.
According to Ruth Lau MacDonald, the regional executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada for the National Capital Region, the job cuts will impact a wide range of staff, from executives to security personnel and tour guides. This shift may lead to a more self-guided tour experience for visitors and fewer interactions with subject matter experts.
Following the initial publication of this story, Gibbs-Lamey clarified that the museum has not reduced its frontline staff numbers. She emphasized that the cuts aim to position the Canadian Museum of History to concentrate more effectively on its core mission.
In a statement, Gibbs-Lamey asserted, “We are dedicated to our national mission and will continue to progress in research, create top-tier exhibitions and public experiences, and introduce innovative methods to engage Canadians with their history.” In an email to Radio-Canada, Ines Akué, a spokesperson for Canadian Heritage, stated that the reductions align with the Canadian Museum of History’s strategic priorities to enhance efficiency and ensure long-term flexibility in fulfilling its mandate.
Museum cuts are part of a global trend, expert says
Under the federal government’s comprehensive spending review, the Canadian Museum of History is required to achieve annual savings ranging from $2.4 million to $5.9 million. Some Ottawa museums, such as the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, have been exempted from budget cuts.
Dan Smythe, a representative for the Canadian Museum of Nature, confirmed that it is also not subjected to budget reductions. Yves Bergeron, a professor of museum studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), highlighted that funding reductions are a global phenomenon, compelling museums to seek alternative revenue streams due to diminishing government support.
Bergeron suggested that sharing resources, like having two institutions share an archivist, could be an effective cost-saving measure that could help mitigate the impact of staff reductions on the visitor experience.
Concerns about reconciliation
The Canadian Museum of History engages in research and collaboration with Indigenous communities, including efforts to repatriate Indigenous cultural artifacts formerly held by the Vatican. MacDonald expressed apprehension that the cuts might hinder the museum’s ability to fulfill this important work.
Bergeron added that depending on the extent of the cuts, repatriating artifacts might face delays, emphasizing the museum’s significant responsibility to document and return these artifacts in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Gibbs-Lamey affirmed that reconciliation initiatives with Indigenous peoples remain a priority for the museum and assured that the budget adjustments do not diminish their commitment to preserving this fundamental history.
