The Canadian Museum of History will soon acquire one of Canada’s most important historical documents, thanks to a major pledge from the Weston family. The family has agreed to purchase the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter, issued in 1670 by King Charles II, for $12.5 million and donate it to the museum for permanent public trust — pending court approval.
The Royal Charter, written on parchment and bearing King Charles II’s wax seal, established the Hudson’s Bay Company and granted it exclusive trading rights over Rupert’s Land, a vast territory encompassing the Hudson Bay drainage basin. The charter relied on the doctrine of terra nullius to claim lands without the consent of the Indigenous peoples who lived there, profoundly shaping Canada’s colonial framework and economy.
“The Royal Charter has played a pivotal role in Canadian history, having a profound and lasting impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities,” the Canadian Museum of History said in a statement. Historians often compare the charter’s significance to that of the Canadian Constitution and even the American Declaration of Independence.
Terms of the Deal and Court Approval
The museum confirmed on Wednesday that Wittington Investments Ltd., the Weston family’s holding company, will acquire the charter “for immediate and permanent donation.” The deal includes an additional $1 million donation to fund Indigenous consultation and educational initiatives.
Approval from the Ontario Superior Court is required because Hudson’s Bay is operating under Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) protection after filing for insolvency in March 2025. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for September 9.
The Globe and Mail first reported in April that Hudson’s Bay planned to auction the charter along with a collection of 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts. While Reflect Advisors LLC, the firm overseeing the sale process, held discussions with several interested parties — including museums, universities, and private collectors — no other firm offers were received. “Some parties discussed potential offer values, but all were substantially less than the Wittington bid,” said Adam Zalev, co-founder of Reflect Advisors, in an affidavit.
Preserving Canada’s Heritage
Galen Weston, chairman and CEO of George Weston Ltd., emphasized the cultural significance of the donation.
“At a time when Canada is navigating profound challenges and seeking renewed unity, it is more important than ever that we hold fast to the symbols and stories that define us as a nation,” Weston said. “The Royal Charter is an important artifact within Canada’s complex history. Our goal is to ensure it is preserved with care, shared with integrity, and made accessible to all Canadians, especially those whose histories are deeply intertwined with its legacy.”
The Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, Quebec, plans to consult with Indigenous communities on how the charter should be interpreted and presented. The funding will also support traveling exhibitions and educational programming to engage Canadians nationwide.
Hudson’s Bay’s Collapse and Asset Sales
Hudson’s Bay, once a cornerstone of Canadian retail, filed for creditor protection in March under a debt load exceeding $2 billion. The company closed its remaining department stores in June, ending its 355-year retail legacy. Since then, its assets have been sold under court supervision, including its intellectual property, which was acquired by Canadian Tire Corporation for about $30 million.
The fate of the charter sparked widespread debate, with advocacy groups and government organizations urging that the document remain accessible to the public. Several letters sent to the court raised concerns about compliance with Canadian heritage and cultural property laws.
A Historic Artifact’s New Home
The Royal Charter has long been displayed at Hudson’s Bay’s corporate headquarters in Toronto. Its move to the Canadian Museum of History ensures permanent public access while addressing the broader implications of colonial history and reconciliation.
“This donation is of enormous importance to Canada,” said Caroline Dromaguet, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “It ensures the Royal Charter—one of the most significant documents in Canadian history—will remain permanently held in public trust and will serve as a catalyst for national dialogue, education, and reconciliation for generations to come.”
If approved by the court in September, the Hudson’s Bay Royal Charter donation will mark the preservation of an artifact central to Canada’s identity and history.
