The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum are set to decrease their permanent staff by 18% in the next three years following budget reductions announced by the federal government. Avra Gibbs-Lamey, a representative for the history museum, which oversees the war museum as well, stated that the permanent staff count will go down from 371 to 304. A significant portion of the cuts will affect corporate roles that serve both institutions, with a 24% reduction in management positions.
The staff reductions will impact a wide range of employees, from executives to security personnel and tour guides, according to Ruth Lau MacDonald, the regional executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for the National Capital Region. This may lead to changes in the visitor experience, with tours becoming more self-guided and fewer interactions with subject experts.
Gibbs-Lamey clarified post-publication that the history museum has not reduced its frontline staff numbers. She emphasized that the cuts will enable the Canadian Museum of History to better focus on its mission, emphasizing ongoing research, top-tier exhibitions, public experiences, and new ways to engage Canadians with their history.
The reductions align with the museums’ objectives to enhance efficiency and adaptability to fulfill their mandate, as per Ines Akué, a spokesperson for Canadian Heritage. This move is part of a broader trend seen globally where governments reduce funding for museums, prompting these institutions to seek alternative revenue sources.
Yves Bergeron, a museum studies professor at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), noted that sharing resources, such as archivists between institutions, could help mitigate the impact of staff reductions on the visitor experience. Despite the budget cuts, some Ottawa museums like the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum have been exempted.
The Canadian Museum of History, known for its work with Indigenous communities, expressed concerns that the cuts could impede its research and repatriation efforts involving Indigenous cultural artifacts. Bergeron highlighted that repatriation processes may face delays but stressed the museum’s obligation to fulfill its responsibilities toward Indigenous communities.
Gibbs-Lamey reassured that projects related to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will remain a priority for the museum despite the budget adjustments. She emphasized the unwavering commitment to Indigenous history and cultural preservation, affirming that the importance of this aspect remains paramount amidst the financial constraints.