A statue is not a history lesson

I am quite confused by the number of comments that seem to equate the John A. MacDonald statue’s presence with a history lesson - arguing that by removing it, we are somehow erasing a part of history and our ability to learn about MacDonald and his actions. I am ready and willing to learn - and to have future generations learn - the facts about politicians’ roles in and contributions to Canadian history. However, I strongly believe that this education should take place in an environment designed for balanced, nuanced learning (e.g. a classroom or museum). And, in the case of actions involving our Indigenous communities, this learning must include an exploration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report’s findings on the far-reaching, devastating impact of the residential school system and other racist policies enacted by the Canadian government over time.

The statue, in its current state, certainly doesn’t provide such a learning environment. (The interactions I’ve observed to date primarily consist of tourists slinging an arm around MacDonald’s shoulders for a photo op.) Further, I really don’t see the level of detailed information required to adequately represent all sides of this complex history fitting on an accompanying plaque. As I struggle to see a scenario in which this public art piece could be properly contextualized - where passersby learn about MacDonald’s contributions to the residential school travesty, and victims and their experiences are properly recognized and honoured - I believe it should be removed from its current location, one of the County’s most visible and visited places.

I would also like to express my support for the development and implementation of a public art strategy, which The County has acknowledged is absent from our Official Plan. In its foreword, the City of Toronto’s Public Art Strategy explicitly recognizes “the symbolic significance of public art” and “commits to embedding truth and reconciliation as foundational principles for public art”. The MacDonald Statue’s Donation Agreement was signed on June 9th, 2015. That very same month, the TRC issued its Calls to Action, compelling citizens and institutions to take responsibility for addressing the injustices it brought to light. If the County had had a Public Art Strategy in place at the time - hopefully one ensuring public consultation on proposals and honouring the TRC report recommendations - my guess is we would not be confronting this difficult situation today.