Outrage after Ontario Science Centre axes entire science department

The Ford government is facing backlash after 30 workers at the Ontario Science Centre, including its entire science department, were laid off as part of a major restructuring ahead of the museum's move to Ontario Place.

The Canadian Press reported on Thursday that the layoffs affected several departments, including science, business, development, security, and live exhibits.

"As part of the changes, some departments will no longer form part of the new organizational structure," Science Centre CEO Paul Kortenaar explained to staff during a video conference call.

The news has sparked outrage from the union representing Ontario Science Centre workers, which said that the 30 positions being eliminated represent roughly 18 per cent of the workforce.

Leave it to @fordnation to fire all the scientists at the literal science centre.

Not surprised though, since they also do the same with hospitals, schools, etc.

Wonder how he financially benefited from this one.

— Jordan 🇨🇦 (@JordanStevi) September 10, 2026

"How can you have an Ontario Science Centre with no Science Unit?" said Raluca Ellis, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549 in a news release. The union says the cuts eliminate more than 540 years of combined service, and claims that only one affected employee has been offered alternative permanent employment within the public service so far.

The layoffs come more than two years after the Ford government abruptly closed the Ontario Science Centre's longtime home at 770 Don Mills Rd. The province announced the closure back in June 2024 after a controversial engineering report warned of a potential roof panel failure at the 1969 building.

I'm no science expert but this seems counterintuitive pic.twitter.com/Mqr3leaShb

— 🔋Chin🔋 (@PhatChin) September 10, 2026

As a result, the Ontario government is continuing to move ahead with plans for a new $1 billion Science Centre at Ontario Place. Meanwhile, the museum's staff have continued to deliver programming through smaller pop-up locations, including at Sherway Gardens, Harbourfront Centre, and the CNE.

OPSEU/SEFPO president JP Hornick also slammed the latest job cuts and accused the Ford government of breaking promises to both the public and Science Centre employees.

A science centre without a science department. Make it make sense

— Lindsay Hunt (@LindsayHunt3) September 10, 2026

"I'm tired of the lies from this premier. He lied to the public about the need to close the building and he lied to workers about protecting their jobs," said Hornick.

"There is a painful irony to the fact that the Ontario Science Centre has been one of the greatest victims of Ford's 'alternative' facts. The Ontario Science Centre exists to inspire a passion among children, families, and the general public for evidence-led discovery. Some of the people losing their jobs have been supporting this mission for over 35 years."

Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam also criticized the news, calling the cuts "shameful," and saying that Ford "did everything but the right thing."

There’s no Centre, there’s no Science.

Guess it’s just Ontario now.

Stolen from the people, stripped of everything of value and sold off to developers.

— Rob Gosse (@RobGosse1) September 10, 2026

On the other hand, the province says that the restructuring will not mean the end of science programming at the organization.

"To be clear, science programming, expertise and exhibits remain embedded across the entire organization," said the office of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid. "There will be no change to the science programming and other learning experiences delivered by the Ontario Science Centre."

The government added that the changes are intended to help the museum "effectively and successfully deliver science learning experiences" at its interim and future locations. Officials say new roles will also be available for some of the affected workers, and that the overall project is expected to create 1,000 jobs.

A science centre without any scientists… https://t.co/TQ13JfpMRn pic.twitter.com/7DL2RieN9v

— Max Gao (@MaxJGao) September 11, 2026

"As part of this restructuring, several departments and functions will be streamlined, consolidated or reconfigured and new positions will be created requiring different skill sets and expertise," Kortenaar told employees.

The new Ontario Science Centre is expected to open at Ontario Place in 2029.