Report alleges national museum CEO mistreated staff, called leadership team ‘sluts’

The CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax engaged in serious misconduct over a decade, including using abusive language towards staff and creating a hostile work environment, according to a report by the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

Investigation Findings

Commissioner Harriet Solloway’s report, published Wednesday, found Marie Chapman repeatedly breached the values and ethics code of the federal government and the museum’s code of conduct, causing emotional harm to employees. Some employees reported contemplating self-harm as a result of her behaviour.

The investigation, which spanned two years and involved interviews with 19 witnesses – almost one-third of the museum’s employees – found some of Chapman’s actions could be characterized as bullying. Employees reported feeling “terrified,” experiencing panic attacks, and fearing retribution for speaking up, as Chapman allegedly stated everyone is replaceable.

Inappropriate Language and Behaviour

The report details instances of Chapman ranking women by age, stating there were “no good-looking men” at the museum, and assigning hurtful nicknames based on staff appearances or actions. She also referred to a senior leadership team as “sluts,” even in public and in front of other staff, and reportedly laughed while telling a delegation from another country, “I call them sluts.”

Chapman also allegedly made disparaging remarks about a female athlete, stating she “looks like a man” and was too masculine to be featured in a museum product, accompanied by a disgusted facial expression.

Response and Appointment History

Chapman, appointed as the museum’s first director in 2011 by the Harper government and reappointed by the Trudeau government in 2016 and 2021 with a salary of up to $221,700, has disputed the findings. She requested the commissioner revisit the case, stating she disagrees with the report’s conclusions.

Solloway recommended corrective measures for Chapman and an assessment of employee wellness to provide appropriate support. Chapman acknowledged the recommendation but her response was deemed “not satisfactory” by the commissioner.

Chapman defended her actions, stating she used the term “sluts” in solidarity with the team and questioning the impartiality of the report, citing limited interviews with former board members. She also claimed some allegations related to events between 2012 and 2015 had been previously addressed.

CBC News has reached out to Chapman for comment but has not yet received a response. The Prime Minister’s Office has also not responded to inquiries regarding Chapman’s future.