Tearing down Statues is not Reconciliation

Sir John A. Macdonald's actions aren't acceptable to us today and emphasis should be placed on learning about his role in the creation of residential schools and the hardship he brought upon Indigenous communities, in addition to the role he played in founding Canada.

It must be remembered that even the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee on which this consultation is based, the Honourable Murray Sinclair, did not believe that tearing down statues was productive for the goals of reconciliation. In an article published in the Globe and Mail three years ago he was quoted as saying the following:

"The problem I have with the overall approach to tearing down statues and buildings is that is counterproductive to ... reconciliation because it almost smacks of revenge or smacks of acts of anger, but in reality, what we are trying to do, is we are trying to create more balance in the relationship."

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/honouring-indigenous-heroes-better-than-debating-macdonald-sinclair/article36113299/

If Picton wishes to acknowledge the horrible actions taken by Sir John A. Macdonald and the damage they have caused and continue to cause First Nations communities, it should add a plaque to the statue, rather than taking it down. Similarly, if Picton wishes to promote the spirit of reconciliation, it should look to add a statue, monument or some other kind of recognition of local indigenous heroes rather than destroying what is already standing, simply because it seems like a popular move at the time.