Mark O'Neill Resigns at Canadian Museum of History

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Mark O'Neill (photo by Paul Daly)

Mark O'Neill, the CEO of the Canadian Museum of History, has resigned.

A complaint last summer prompted an investigation into workplace harassment. O'Neill was on sick leave and was due to retire in two months.

O'Neill, in a statement released by his lawyer, confirmed his April 6 resignation – and his retirement from the Public Service of Canada – saying it had been an honour to lead the museum.

"Over 33 years in the public service, I was privileged to work with some extraordinary people," he said. "Canadians should be grateful for their talent, commitment and effort.” 

The investigation, which CBC News says is related to O'Neill's management style and temperament, wrapped up in January and was submitted to Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault.

Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault said Thursday no details about the investigation will be made public and the report will not be released, Canadian Press reports.

This is to protect the privacy of individuals and “maintain the confidentiality of the process,” he said.

Guilbeault also said the government “expects national museums to embody the highest standards of respect, workplace safety and inclusion.”

O'Neill became president and CEO of the museum in 2011. His second five-year term would have ended in June.

In November, the federal government advertised the position, with a salary that ranges from $226,000 to $265,800 a year.

The controversy is one of several to plague major Canadian museums over the last year.

Update 9/4/21, 1:32 p.m. This post has been updated to include a response from the federal government.