A piece of Canada’s very foundation has found its future. After months of legal maneuvering, the original royal charter that birthed the Hudson’s Bay Company – a document dating back to 1670 and signed by King Charles II – is poised to remain in Canada, secured for generations to come.
The charter, a five-page vellum scroll, wasn’t simply a business license. It granted the HBC control over a staggering one-third of what would become modern Canada, effectively shaping the nation’s early history and its relationship with Indigenous peoples during the fur trade era. Its very existence embodies the complex story of Canada’s colonization.
The document surfaced for sale due to the financial struggles of the Hudson’s Bay Company itself. Facing creditor protection and store closures, HBC was forced to liquidate assets, including its remarkable collection of historical artifacts. The charter, a crown jewel among them, was initially estimated to fetch $12.5 million.
A bidding war unexpectedly unfolded between two of Canada’s most influential families: the Thomsons, known for their media empire, and the Westons, titans of the grocery and retail world. Both families envisioned a future where the charter wasn’t locked away in a private collection, but accessible to all Canadians.
The Thomsons initially sought to secure the charter for the Archives of Manitoba, while the Westons proposed the Canadian Museum of History as its home. Ultimately, the families joined forces, raising their bid to $18 million – a sum that proved insurmountable for any other potential buyer. A court has now approved the sale, marking the end of a complex legal process.
The charter hasn’t been publicly displayed for some time, carefully stored in a protective box. Before it embarks on its new life, experts at the Canadian Conservation Institute will meticulously assess its condition, ensuring its preservation for centuries to come.
The Thomsons and Westons plan to donate the charter to four institutions: the Archives of Manitoba, the Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Royal Ontario Museum. They will act as “custodians,” sharing access to this invaluable piece of history.
A unique plan is in motion to maximize public access. The charter will rotate between the four institutions, allowing different regions of Canada to experience it firsthand. High-quality replicas will also be created, and a national tour is being considered, bringing the story of the charter to communities across the country.
Beyond the physical document, the families are committing $5 million to support a comprehensive program of preservation, research, and education. This includes the creation of a dedicated website, digital renderings of related artifacts, and regular symposia exploring the charter’s profound significance.
The initiative has already garnered additional support from the Desmarais family and the Hennick Family Foundation, demonstrating a broad commitment to safeguarding Canada’s heritage. The future of this historic charter is now secure, promising a powerful and accessible connection to the nation’s past.
