Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing criticism again after the province’s recent decision about the management of one of its top attractions – the Ontario Science Centre.
Last week, thirty-one staff members – 27 permanent and four contract employees – were unexpectedly let go, according to a statement from the Ontario Public School Union Employees’ (OPSU) Local 549, which labeled the layoffs as part of a restructuring effort for the center.
However, many people, including Toronto City Councilor Josh Matlow, are questioning what this restructuring will actually mean.
“The science center has historically served as both an attraction to visit and a place for learning, career development, and nurturing children’s curiosity and love for exploration,” Matlow said. “Now it’s being turned into some roadside attraction at a small building that will be just something to check out while you’re going to his new spot, Ontario Place.”
According to Save Ontario’s Science Centre co-chair Jason Ash, it seems like the tourism aspect is taking priority for the Ford administration.
“The center was probably one of just a few science centers in North America that truly focused on educating the local community while also being an appealing tourist destination as a secondary goal,” Ash said.
Along with worries that it could turn into another “Disney World” or “Vegas by the Lakefront,” Matlow noted that cutting jobs contradicts Ford’s claimed commitment to boosting employment across the province.
“He’s out there talking about protecting Canadian jobs; he fires the entire science unit at all places at the science center, removing valuable educational programming and content development,” Matlow said.
Matlow described Ford’s actions as hypocritical.
“Ford is making speeches on American TV about how it’s important to protect Canadian jobs, and meanwhile he’s leaving many people wondering how they’re going to pay rent or buy groceries right here in Ontario,” Matlow said. “It’s bad government, and it’s fundamentally wrong.”
Ash mentioned that these latest cuts are likely part of broader operational changes he anticipates.
“All signs point to the government eventually completely outsourcing day-to-day operations to a third-party contractor,” Ash said. “So this looks like just another step in that unfortunate progression.”
Ash believes scientists might have ways to challenge this decision but ultimately it’s up to the provincial government to restore any positions.
<p“The science center employees who have been let go belong to one of the strongest public service unions in Ontario,” Ash said. “They may find ways to contest this decision; however, there are also numerous decisions governments can make in such situations.”
Matlow expressed little hope for change under the current leadership.
<p“Until we get another government, I don't see those jobs coming back – I don't think [Ford] cares,” he said.
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