Canadian Museum of History CEO Resigns After Probe Into Alleged Workplace Harassment

Canadian Museum of History CEO Resigns After Probe Into Alleged Workplace Harassment
People walk past the Museum of History on March 14, 2020 in Gatineau, Que. The museum was one of many public spaces that closed its doors due to COVID-19. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
The Canadian Press
4/8/2021
Updated:
4/8/2021

OTTAWA—The head of the Canadian Museum of History has resigned following reported allegations of workplace harassment at the national institution.

Museum CEO Mark O’Neill has been on a medical leave since last summer, when an independent investigation was launched into harassment allegations at the museum.

A statement issued by the external communications firm Midtown PR has confirmed the board of trustees for the Gatineau, Que., the museum received O’Neill’s resignation and that it took effect on Tuesday.

The statement says a permanent director to replace O’Neill will be appointed soon and that no other details are being provided at this time.

The investigation came after Radio−Canada published a report last September, citing unnamed sources described as current and former employees, that detailed a toxic workplace culture at the museum.

In a statement provided through his lawyer today, O’Neill confirmed he has resigned after a decade at the museum and that he has also retired from the federal public service, but neither he nor his lawyer addressed questions about the investigation or allegations.

O’Neill said it was an honour to have led the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, calling them two of Canada’s “great cultural institutions.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2021.

Teresa Wright,