Ontario Science Centre laying off science department
The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 30 employees, including its entire science department, as part of a broader organizational restructuring. While the government claims science programming will continue at new locations, critics remain skeptical following the facility's abrupt closure due to structural concerns.
Why it matters
The layoffs and closure of a major public institution raise questions about government transparency and the future of public science education in Ontario.
The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 30 workers including the entire science department, The Canadian Press has learned. Science centre CEO Paul Kortenaar told employees at a meeting Thursday that the organization is being restructured. “As part of the changes, some departments will no longer form part of the new organizational structure,” Kortenaar told staff in a video conference call, a recording of which was obtained by The Canadian Press. “In some cases, this means entire full teams are impacted, including business development, science, security and live exhibits.” The province abruptly closed the science centre in east Toronto in the summer of 2024, citing an engineering report that found deficiencies with the roof. Critics have questioned that reasoning given the roof has survived record snowfall and rainfall in the past two years.
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