Ford government refusing to release secret report that suggested selling off ROM artifacts

A confidential audit commissioned by the Ford government proposed selling off artifacts from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) as a potential path to financial sustainability. The Ernst & Young report, completed in late 2022, examined the museum's revenue struggles since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

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My first response is, what are you trying to hide?

Details of the report, which also suggested selling a ROM storage facility, have been kept secret by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Global News learned of these proposals through an ongoing freedom of information appeal. Both the ROM and the provincial government maintain that these specific ideas are not under serious consideration.

However, the government's refusal to release the full report has drawn criticism. Ontario NDP MPP Jessica Bell questioned the administration's motives, stating, "What are you trying to hide?" She expressed concern over reports of the ROM's financial difficulties and potential asset sales, emphasizing the need for public information on the museum's financial health.

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We are hearing concerning reports that the ROM is in financial difficulty and is looking at selling off some significant assets. That’s extremely worrying. Until the ROM or the government shares public information about the health of the ROM’s finances, then I’m going to believe that something could be pretty concerning here.

A spokesperson for the ROM stated that the museum's financial performance has been positive, running a small surplus of $4.197 million in the 2024/2025 fiscal year and possessing "solid footing and positive momentum." The audit was initiated due to pandemic-related challenges, including closures and funding issues, and assessed the museum's recovery plans and capital project capabilities. The government's justification for withholding the report is that its release would harm the province's economy and reveal advice to the government and cabinet discussions.

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ROM ran a small surplus in the most recent fiscal year 2024/2025 [$4.197M] and we have solid footing and positive momentum moving forward.