Honouring a Legacy of Partnership

This past June, ROM Celebration recognized Power Corporation of Canada, whose longstanding partnership with ROM has enhanced the Museum in countless ways. From supporting the Gallery of Chinese Architecture during the Renaissance ROM campaign to sponsoring landmark exhibitions such as Kent Monkman: Being Legendary as well as Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., Power Corporation has consistently championed ROM’s mission.

When asked what motivates the company to support the Museum, Paul Genest, Senior Vice-President of Power Corporation, remarked, “We consider ROM an absolutely world class institution—it truly ranks among the best anywhere. It has an amazing staff and a history of programming that speaks to all ages.” 

Most recently, this partnership has taken on a historic dimension through a major initiative centred on the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter. Granted in 1670 by King Charles II, the Charter formally established the Hudson’s Bay Company, giving it trading rights across vast territories in what is now Canada. It stands as a remarkable symbol of Canadian history, reflecting both opportunity and complexity in the nation’s early trade and governance. It also represents a foundational moment in the dispossession of Indigenous lands, which were then used to legitimize commercial control over vast traditional territories. 

The Charter was acquired by the Weston family and David Thomson, through their respective holding companies, in order to jointly donate it to the Archives of Manitoba, the Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and ROM. These generous donors have pledged ongoing support to ensure the Charter’s preservation and accessibility for all Canadians. Power Corporation has joined this initiative, amplifying the commitment with a generous $1.2-million multi-year gift to ROM, alongside further direct support to the other consortium partners. The support for ROM will reinforce outreach efforts, educational programs, and public display, while ensuring the Charter’s long-term preservation, stewardship, and accessibility. 

“This is an occasion for us to recognize our history; to interpret it in ways that are sensitive and thoughtful, to dialogue and to educate schoolchildren around it,” said Mr. Genest. “It was Power Corporation’s privilege to be part of the conversations to help secure the Charter, and it was our belief that we had a duty to step up and reinforce the generous donations of the Thomson family and the Weston family.” 

We at ROM extend heartfelt congratulations to Power Corporation of Canada for receiving the Distinguished Corporation Award, and gratitude for helping ROM visitors—and all Canadians—explore history, celebrate culture, and come together to shape a shared future.