The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum are set to reduce their permanent staff levels by 18 percent over the next three years following federal budget cuts. Avra Gibbs-Lamey, a spokesperson for the history museum, mentioned that the number of permanent staff will decrease from 371 to 304, with a significant reduction in corporate and management positions.
Ruth Lau MacDonald, representing the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for the National Capital Region, stated that the job cuts will impact various staff members, including executives, security personnel, and tour guides. This could lead to a shift towards more self-directed tours and fewer interactions with subject experts, affecting the overall visitor experience.
Despite these cuts, Gibbs-Lamey clarified that front-line staff numbers at the history museum remain unchanged. She emphasized that the restructuring aims to enhance the museum’s focus on its core mission, ensuring continued research, top-notch exhibitions, and innovative ways to engage Canadians with their history.
In line with the Canadian Museum of History’s objectives to enhance efficiency and long-term flexibility, Ines Akué from Canadian Heritage highlighted that the reductions align with the museum’s priorities. The need for annual savings ranging from $2.4 million to $5.9 million is part of the government’s spending review, reflecting a global trend of funding reductions in museums worldwide.
Yves Bergeron, a museum studies professor, noted that while generating self-generated revenue is essential, there is a limit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sufficient staff level. Sharing resources could be a cost-saving measure to mitigate the impact on visitor experiences, he suggested.
There are concerns that the cuts could affect the Canadian Museum of History’s research and fieldwork with Indigenous communities, potentially impacting the repatriation of Indigenous cultural artifacts. However, Gibbs-Lamey assured that reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples remain a top priority for the museum, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to this fundamental aspect of Canadian history.
