The bankruptcy receivers of the Hudson’s Bay Company are planning to auction the company’s founding charter, signed by King Charles II in 1670, which some argue should belong to the public. This follows the early closure of the Hudson’s Bay store in downtown Ottawa, marking the end of the oldest company in North America after 355 years of operation.
On Sunday, the store closed its doors about an hour ahead of schedule, with minimal merchandise remaining after a liquidation sale. The remaining customers included jewelry buyers and a few individuals contemplating purchases of mannequins and store fixtures.
As the store shuts down, over 8,000 employees are left without severance pay, although many will continue working temporarily to assist with the closure process. The ongoing bankruptcy proceedings are expected to involve the auctioning of approximately 4,400 artifacts and artworks, including the significant charter that established the company’s historical claim to a large portion of Canada.
Historians and archivists, including Canada’s librarian and archivist, Leslie Weir, argue that the charter is a crucial piece of Canadian history that should be preserved in a public institution rather than sold to private collectors. Weir emphasized the charter's importance, stating it represents not only the foundation of the Hudson’s Bay Company but also a significant moment in Canadian history that affected Indigenous peoples.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential auction of other artifacts, particularly those related to Indigenous cultures. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has requested a ban on the auction of such items, asserting that they are integral to First Nations' history and identity. The Department of Canadian Heritage has indicated that it is monitoring the situation and recognizes the significance of some of the items involved.
In related news, evacuations due to wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have displaced approximately 32,000 people, with smoke from over 200 fires affecting air quality across several provinces. Additionally, various political and social issues, including trade barriers and medical assistance in dying, continue to shape discussions in Canada.