OFL: Move to close the Ontario Science Centre immediately, is result of Conservative Government negligence and a failure to properly fund the services Ontarians rely on
2024年6月22日 - 4:38AM
The Ontario Science Centre, a globally renowned institution and one
of the best science museums according to Reader's Digest, has now
been shut down as of 2:00 PM today. This move is yet another
example of Premier Doug Ford’s misguided priorities. By allowing
the building to fall into disrepair, the future of over 300 jobs
are now in limbo, including contracted food service and cleaning
workers who are primarily racialized women. The people of Ontario
will also have to go without access to this cherished educational
public institution.
Despite the Centre's financial challenges, experts agree that
renovating the current building is both more environmentally and
socially responsible and considerably cheaper than constructing a
new, smaller facility at Ontario Place. The Premier's claim that
the relocation will increase attendance remains unsupported by any
public documentation.
The Ontario Science Centre has played a pivotal role in
education and community engagement. Over 170,000 children visit
annually through school field trips, receiving hands-on science
education that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. Additionally,
2,000 children are scheduled to attend day camps in the next two
weeks.
"As a parent, I know how far in advance parents plan children's
summer programs and how competitive it is to get into them," said
Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL).
"The Science Centre has been an invaluable resource for our
children, offering unique educational experiences that cannot be
found elsewhere."
For over 50 years, the Science Centre has created world-renowned
exhibits, experiences, and traveling shows, thanks to its unique
team of workers, including science researchers, writers, designers,
wood and metal workers, electricians, and digital media experts in
its onsite workshops.
"The decision to close this esteemed institution reflects a lack
of vision and commitment to children’s education," Walton
continued. "While Ford is preoccupied with maximizing profit by
pushing liquor and beer sales in corner stores, his priorities are
evidently misaligned with the needs of working people and the
educational development of Ontario’s youth."
The Ford government’s decision is part of a troubling pattern of
neglect and short-sightedness.
"Ford's cuts to healthcare have left hospitals struggling and
patients waiting," said Walton. "Our children’s education should be
a priority, but Ford's actions say otherwise. Additionally, Ford's
government is failing to protect our environment for future
generations."
Furthermore, as 300 workers await their fate and parents of
2,000 children are scrambling to find summer programs for their
children, Premier Ford is absent, vacationing, instead of
addressing these concerns.
The Ontario Science Centre is more than just a museum; it is a
vital educational resource and a beloved cultural landmark. Closing
it is a disservice to the millions who have benefited from its
programs and to the future generations who will miss out on its
unique educational experiences.
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one
million workers in Ontario. It is the largest provincial labour
federation in Canada. Visit OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
For more information, please contact: Jenny
SellathuraiInterim Director of CommunicationsOntario Federation of
Labourjsellathurai@ofl.ca | 416-894-3456
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