As reported in last week’s edition of eFlight, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, together with the Science and Technology Museum and the Agriculture and Food Museum, all three operated by the crown corporation Ingenium in Ottawa, were facing severe financial challenges due to their closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff were asked to take unpaid leaves of absence in order to counter a $7 million shortfall.

Now, however, the federal government is coming to the rescue with a $25.7 million aid package for the three national museums and other cultural institutions.

“We are thrilled that this new funding will ensure that there will no longer be a need for a reduction in hours for our staff,” said Ingenium spokesperson Christine Cloutier. Federal departments, including crown corporations, were ineligible for the federal wage subsidy program.

The museums are now working on reopening plans that allow for social distancing and other health precautions.

Added Cloutier, “We look forward to continuing the work of reopening our doors in a safe and timely manner, for those who visit our three museums in the National Capital Region.”

Image credit: Ingenium