The royal charter that formed Hudson’s Bay about 355 years ago could soon be getting a new home.
The Canadian Museum of History announced Wednesday that the Weston family, of Loblaw Cos. Ltd. fame, wants to buy the document and donate it to the Quebec institution.
The charter was signed by King Charles II in 1670. It gave the Bay rights to a vast swath of land spanning most of Canada and extraordinary power over trade and indigenous relations for decades more.
The museum says the acquisition still needs court approval but if that is obtained, the Westons will donate the document immediately and permanently….