Federal Program Reviews Mean Layoffs and Downgraded Services at the National Gallery of Canada

    OTTAWA, May 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Jobs will be lost and corners will be cut at
the National Gallery of Canada as a result of the federal government's
revolving "strategic review" of program spending in targeted departments and
agencies across the federal government.
    Selected to undergo a review in 2007 along with 16 other departments and
agencies, the National Gallery was directed to cut its budget by five per
cent.
    Where the recent federal budget released in February referred to "better
use of internal resources and administrative efficiencies" in the museums
sector, the plain truth was announced by the Director of the National Gallery
on April 3 when he announced 10 job cuts, including five layoffs - one of
those to a senior paper conservator with more than 25 years of service. Among
those laid off are three members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
(PSAC) and one member of the Professional Institute of Public Service of
Canada (PIPSC).
    Director Pierre Thèberge also said the five per cent cut dictated by the
strategic review process will necessitate other cuts that will have an impact
on the Gallery's publishing and marketing capacity. Events and exhibitions
will have to be scaled back and training will also have to be curtailed,
according to Thèberge.
    Reaction to the cuts, and in particular to the position of the senior
paper conservator, has been swift. Numerous letters to Thèberge from senior
gallery staff, trustees and conservators say the cuts call into question the
gallery's commitment and its ability to fulfill its mandate to expand and
conserve its extensive collections.
    PSAC is currently considering a range of actions in response to the
employer's actions.
    Ed Cashman, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the National
Capital Region, is also speaking out against the cuts. "These cuts will not
only hinder the Gallery's ability to carry out its mandate, they will also
have a significant impact on smaller museums across the country that rely on
the gallery's collections to draw visitors into their facilities. Here is yet
another example of the shortsightedness of the Harper government and its
callous disregard for our vital cultural heritage."
    The federal government has announced that it intends to carry out further
program spending reviews in 16 more departments and agencies. The PSAC has
stressed with Treasury Board the need for consultation on the conduct of these
program reviews and the Union will be monitoring these reviews and responding
to any possible impacts on PSAC members.

For further information: Richard Ransom, (613) 612-6199 (cellulaire),
Regional Vice-President, National Component, PSAC