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For nearly five years, the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, has remained encased in a protective box at Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto. This decision came during a summer of protests in 2020, when Ontario Speaker Ted Arnott determined the statue needed protection amidst rising tensions regarding Macdonald’s legacy.
In 2022, the Ontario government intervened, passing legislation that transferred the authority over the statue’s fate from the Speaker to the Ontario legislature’s Board of Internal Economy. This shift created a legislative gridlock, as both the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Progressive Conservatives now share the responsibility of reaching a consensus on the matter.
Arnott remarked on the situation, stating, “I had the ability to cover it but lack the legislative power to uncover it now.” He expressed that while he chairs the committee overseeing these decisions, he is barred by law from voting on them, even in the event of a tie.
As the political climate shifted, with the legislature being dissolved in late January ahead of a snap election, a definitive resolution regarding the statue’s display remained unachieved.
Political Reactions and Developments
In the wake of the ongoing electoral campaigns, Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has called for the immediate restoration of the statue to public view. Crombie expressed her confusion as to why Macdonald continues to be hidden away, emphasizing the importance of confronting historical figures, “I think that’s a question of leadership,” she declared during a campaign stop on February 11. While she acknowledged the complexities of Macdonald’s legacy, she insisted that the statue should still be displayed.
Crombie articulated a sense of national pride, remarking, “Right now, I’m feeling this wave of patriotism, especially with the current challenges of tariff wars and trade conflicts. I want to stand up and celebrate what it means to be Canadian, despite our historical flaws.”
Macdonald’s reputation has faced scrutiny, especially due to his role in establishing Canada’s residential school system, which has come under harsh criticism as the nation reassesses its historical narratives. Actions taken last year included the removal of Henry Dundas’s name from a prominent Toronto location and the toppling of Egerton Ryerson’s statue at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Arnott believes it’s vital for Canadians to engage with history, saying, “We are looking at historical figures and holding them accountable over a century later. Clearly, from a modern perspective, significant mistakes were made back in the 19th century, but our study of history enables us to learn and improve.”
Despite Crombie’s commitment to reinstating the statue if she were to lead, the NDP and Progressive Conservatives have yet to reach a mutual decision regarding its future. A spokesperson for the Progressive Conservatives suggested that the party favored removing the box but claimed that the NDP had been obstructive. The NDP countered that the issue is currently under review by a different committee, expressing their intention to engage with the public on the matter should they win the upcoming election.
The Procedure and House Affairs Committee, which holds a Conservative majority, had the power to provide guidance without needing a bipartisan agreement before the dissolution occurred. In response to inquiries about the statue’s fate, the NDP stated, “Queen’s Park is the people’s house, and the Ontario NDP will listen to the voices of the public.” They pledged to continue consultations that were previously underway before the call for the snap election.
The election is set for February 27, leaving the future of Macdonald’s statue uncertain as political dynamics shift across Ontario.
Source
globalnews.ca