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ONmuseums: Survey Results and Changes for Canada Summer Jobs

Apr 09, 2020
 
 
In this Issue:
Need to Know: Key Findings of the OMA COVID-19 Impact Survey
New Resources:  Chart of Federal Government COVID-19 Measures – Implications for Sector Organizations
PD Update
In the Media
Out-of-Province News: Changes for Canada Summer Jobs Program
Canadian Museums Association Virtual Conference April 16
 
Need to Know
A message from Marie Lalonde, Executive Director

Thank you to all of the 110 respondents who were able to complete the OMA's Survey on the Impacts of COVID-19 for Ontario museums. This critical information from the early days of the pandemic--a snapshot in time--has been essential for the OMA to support members, provide recommendations to government, and to coordinate with our colleagues in our national, provincial and territorial museum associations. We expect to be reaching out to our sector again to ask how museums are being affected. 

The OMA will continue to share timely information for supporting our members such as funding programs for wage subsidies, and deadline extensions for T3010 charitable information returns. 

As Minister MacLeod stated in a tele-townhall on March 26, the early release of museum and heritage funding grants (including CMOG, HODG, and PHO) is a priority and the Ministry is considering prompt action. 

We aim to continue to provide important resources such as for holding online Annual General Meetings, museum closures, and caring for collections. We have held a teleconference with our Regional Museum Networks; please be in touch at mlalonde@museumsontario.ca or community@museumsontario.ca and the OMA can help to connect Networks who may be working remotely. 

Please keep in mind as you read our Survey results that responses first came in when some museums were just announcing closures, we have since seen States of Emergency declared across the province. The situation is changing daily. 

We know from annual earned revenues and donations reported in the Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions that Ontario museums bring in $500million a year in revenue, or approximately $150million in the spring quarter (April-May-June). Ministry sources estimate the revenue of 166 CMOG-recipient museums as $100million, and we are working with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries to understand more. We are aware of the serious impacts for all, particularly independent not-for-profit museums that raise 65% of their revenue through donations and other forms of earned revenue. 

We thank everyone for their time and consideration. The OMA is committed to working with the Ontario museum community during this pandemic and into the recovery period. 

Be safe and stay healthy, 

Marie G. Lalonde
Executive Director
 
OMA COVID-19 Impact Survey
Key Findings

The OMA's COVID-19 Impact Survey collected essential information from March 20 to April 1 on the effects of the global pandemic, presenting a snapshot in time. 

Some key findings include:
  • 68% have delayed or cancelled seasonal hiring
  • 63% of respondents will lose all revenue for April 2020
  • 67% report potential for further job losses
     
Read the full Key Findings HERE. 

Download an infographic HERE. 
 
COVID-19 Media Coverage
 
OMA COVID-19 Resources

The OMA has a dedicated webpage of resources, events, and information HERE. 

New Resources: 
From Imagine Canada: Chart of Federal Government Covid-19 Measures – Implications for Sector Organizations HERE
-quick and easy information and links to all currently-identified measures

From Young Associates, "How-To"s for Accessing COVID-19 Government Relief Programs
 
OMA PD Update
Certificate in Museum Studies Update
CMS: Museums in Historic Buildings (Facilities Management) tentatively rescheduled.
 
Original date: May 6-8, 2020
New date: November 4-6, 2020
Location: Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener
Course Directors: Gordon Robinson and Marc Letourneau, Letourneau Heritage Consulting
 
Log into your Individual Member account and click on My Courses to register.
 
Questions? Email pd@museumsontario.ca

Read more about the CMS program HERE.
 
In the Media
A Tour of the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
National Gallery of Canada hosts online Wikipedia edit-a-thons
Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives artwork featured in #MuseumFromHome vote
Goulbourn Museum announces winner of 'My Family Is..' exhibit contest
 
Out-of-Province News
Changes for Canada Summer Jobs Program

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes for the Canada Summer Jobs Program on April 8, including:
  • increased wage subsidy up to 100%
  • part-time jobs will qualify
  • extension to include employment up to February 28, 2021
  • extended application deadline 
Read more HERE. 
 
Increased Eligibility for Wage Subsidies

A proposed adjustment to wage subsidy eligibility would reduce the required revenue drop to 15 per cent for the month of March, instead of 30 percent, to capture the many businesses that were forced to shut down midway through that month.

We look forward to sharing more details as they become available. 
Media Coverage
 
Canadian Museums Association
Museums Together virtual conference
April 16, 2020
Starting at 11 a.m. EDT
 
Program includes remarks by the CMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Vanda Vitali, and Prof. Jack Lohman, CME, President of the Board of the CMA and CEO of the Royal Museum of British Columbia.

Special guest the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in a dialogue with our provincial and territorial colleagues; followed by a panel discussion with heritage groups as we discuss common challenges and a path forward.

Read more HERE