Union ‘outraged’ as Ontario Science Centre lays off science department

CANADA Union ‘outraged’ as Ontario Science Centre lays off science department By Aaron D'Andrea & Noor Ra’fat Global News Posted September 11, 2026 10:35 am Updated September 11, 2026 10:45 am 2 min read WATCH: Memo tells Science Centre workers internal redesign is coming following layoffs LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE The union representing workers at the Ontario Science Centre says it’s “outraged” after learning of layoffs impacting the entire science department. OPSEU/SEFPO said in a statement Thursday that the unionized workforce will shrink to 136 workers from 166. All live exhibit business development and security staff, along with workers in education, marketing and IT, were also let go. Only one impacted staff member was offered another permanent position, the union said. An internal memo sent to staff and obtained by Global News said that some reporting relationships will change and that several units will be redesigned. “How can you have an Ontario Science Centre with no Science Unit?” said Raluca Ellis, president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549, in a statement. “With these job cuts, over 540 years of combined service would be eliminated.” STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT 2:02 Ontario Science Centre lays off science department, union ‘outraged’  Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. When the Ford government shuttered the Ontario Science Centre two years ago, it said there wouldn’t be any layoffs. Get breaking Montreal news Get breaking Montreal news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. SIGN UP FOR BREAKING MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. But four days after the facility on Don Mills Road closed its doors, 50 food service workers were let go. Since then, more than 100 employees have lost their jobs. MORE ON CANADA MORE VIDEOS Hoekstra says U.S. needs ‘our allies on board’ to counter terrorist threats ‘Our grief has not faded,’ Carney says on 25th anniversary of 9/11 ‘Unauthorized activity’ affecting Ontario courts leads to data breach Carney’s cabinet huddles for 2nd day in Banff as trade war intensifies A spokesperson for the Ontario Science Centre said that…