Ontario Science Centre Lays Off Entire Science Department Amid Restructuring
The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 30 workers, including its entire science department, as part of a restructuring led by CEO Paul Kortenaar. The move coincides with plans to open a new $1-billion facility at Ontario Place in 2029, drawing criticism from union leaders and opposition politicians.
The Ontario Science Centre has announced the layoff of 30 employees, a decision that includes the elimination of the organization’s entire science department. The restructuring was unveiled by CEO Paul Kortenaar during a meeting on Thursday, which also impacted departments such as business development, security, and live exhibits.
This workforce reduction occurs as the province prepares for the construction of a new $1-billion science centre at Ontario Place, targeted to open in 2029. In the interim, operations will continue from various locations following the abrupt closure of the original east Toronto facility in summer 2024 due to roof deficiencies identified in an engineering report.
Provincial officials maintain that science programming remains embedded across the organization and assert that the new project will create 1,000 jobs. However, the decision to dissolve the dedicated science unit has drawn sharp criticism. Raluca Ellis, president of OPSEU Local 549, highlighted that over 540 years of combined service would be eliminated. Liberal MPP Adil Shamji described the move as a "real head scratcher" and urged the government to reconsider returning programming to the old building.
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid, who was appointed to the role earlier on Thursday, represents the government's stance that the transition supports long-term growth despite the immediate loss of specialized staff.