Bondil’s removal was in MMFA’S best interest

We couldn’t ignore the findings of a human resources report, the MMFA board of directors says.

A statement by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts board of directors:

Much has been said and written over the past few days about the decision of the board of directors of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to terminate Nathalie Bondil’s contract as director general and chief curator. We believe that we must now turn the page and look to the future. But before doing so, we wish to set the record straight.

In making this decision, the board of directors was fully aware of the outcry the decision would elicit. The strong and emotional reaction in support of Nathalie Bondil was predictable and, to some extent, completely normal. The success the museum has enjoyed since she took office and the institution’s enviable position among the world’s major museums are largely due to Nathalie Bondil’s enormous talent — this talent is undeniable and we all recognize it.

However, the board could not ignore the findings of the report it had commissioned from an independent firm specializing in human resources management. These findings, which align with several employee accounts previously reported by the union, were focused in particular on Nathalie Bondil’s management style and the deterioration of the workplace climate. Her refusal to accept certain of the report’s findings, her inflexibility and her refusal to adequately implement certain of the report’s recommendations left us little choice, despite our many attempts to reach a solution. With full knowledge that the decision would be controversial, the board made the decision to terminate her contract in the exercise of its fiduciary duties in the firm belief that the decision was in the best interests of the museum and its employees.

It is important to add that, before this decision was made, the board of directors attempted in good faith to reach an agreement with Nathalie Bondil so that, in the final year of her contract, she could continue to focus on programming and exhibitions, and delegate her other duties to facilitate a transition that would recognize her exceptional contribution to the museum. She rejected this proposal.

Some have accused the board of concealing the real reasons for the removal of Nathalie Bondil. Others have requested that the report produced by the external firm be made public, which is impossible given the legal constraints designed to safeguard the confidentiality of those involved. Others have gone so far as to unfairly question the competence and motives of the board of directors and its chairman. It was difficult to remain silent and insensitive to these insinuations.

The decision of Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications to entrust to an independent firm the mandate of examining the oversight and supervision of the conduct of the museum’s affairs by its management team and board of directors — a decision that we support — will allow everyone to step back from the heightened emotions of the past week. The board will offer its full co-operation to the minister and will provide the independent firm with all information necessary to conduct its review, including disclosure of the report ordered by the museum to the maximum extent legally permitted.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. It has seen eras and crises pass and has always bounced back and renewed itself.

The search process for the museum’s new director is underway. The chosen candidate will face the enormous challenge of succeeding someone who has contributed so much. However, the incoming director will be backed by an extraordinary team of dedicated employees. The new director will also be able to count on a board of directors to help her or him bring the museum to new heights.

In the meantime, the executive committee of the board will support the museum’s management committee and its teams to ensure that operations continue to be carried out in the best interests of the museum, its employees, members, donors and friends. We must now move forward.

We must now turn the page and look to the future.