"Holding Court" John A. Macdonald Statue

Tell us what the Holding Court statue means to you?

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  Proud of our Canadian heritage

  by Marg Tripp, about 6 years ago

  I am proud of Canada and all that has been accomplished as a nation. The statue of Sir John A is a reminder of our roots and the Fathers of Confederation who did so much to establish this wonderful country. No one is 100% perfect or without fault and we choose to focus on the good or bad. The present trend of "cancel culture" doesn't help us learn from the past as we must do.

  I am proud of Canada and all that has been accomplished as a nation. The statue of Sir John A is a reminder of our roots and the Fathers of Confederation who did so much to establish this wonderful country. No one is 100% perfect or without fault and we choose to focus on the good or bad. The present trend of "cancel culture" doesn't help us learn from the past as we must do.
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  A statue is not a history lesson

  by Andrea Dawes, about 6 years ago

  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... Continue reading

  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.

  
  
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  Sir JOHN A Stays

  by Gordon, about 6 years ago

  I am a supporter of the Sir John A MacDonald statue remaining at its main street location.

  The Mayor has stated that the working group will not be examining the history of Canada, but rather focusing on the statue itself. With that in mind, the question becomes what does the statue represent to our community? Its original intent was to represent a moment in time where a young lawyer held a court case in the town of Picton. Little did we know that he would become an important political figure in the future building of our country.

  History aside, lets... Continue reading

  I am a supporter of the Sir John A MacDonald statue remaining at its main street location.

  The Mayor has stated that the working group will not be examining the history of Canada, but rather focusing on the statue itself. With that in mind, the question becomes what does the statue represent to our community? Its original intent was to represent a moment in time where a young lawyer held a court case in the town of Picton. Little did we know that he would become an important political figure in the future building of our country.

  History aside, lets examine our community. Prince Edward County has always been a welcoming community. Offshore workers have assisted our farming community in the harvesting of their crops for many years and continue to do so today. People of colour and different nationalities operate commercial businesses, restaurants and convenience stores within our towns and villages. We welcomed Syrian refuges providing them with a safe environment to rebuild their lives. We have a vibrant LGBQT community who have and continue to contribute to the well being of our community. We have welcomed them into our homes and social circles and celebrate their Pride activities.

  We have a Police Force that should be the envy of others. They are truly connected to the community and provide equal justice to all. We have not witnessed any protests or marches accusing our force of injustice towards any minority groups. Do we have individuals that may exhibit racial tendencies? Like any community these people exist and must be dealt with on an individual basis.

  We are good example of a community with a diverse population that has adapted to a changing landscape. Lets continue to build on our history of being a welcoming community and not join the “cancel culture train” that will surely set us back. If anything, lets use this moment to educate and teach that past history may not be what we envision todays world should be, but instead how we can learn from the decisions of the past to ensure a just future for all.

  Time to build up – not tear down.
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  Relocate this statue to a more appropiate place like the Courthouse.

  by Marilyn Toombs, about 6 years ago

  The entrance to the library is a completely inappropriate place for this statue. It will only garner more scorn and controversy if it stays.

  
  

  The entrance to the library is a completely inappropriate place for this statue. It will only garner more scorn and controversy if it stays.

  
  
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  We should review the past by today's standards

  by Andreas Kratschmer, about 6 years ago

  We should review the past by today's standards, that's how we evolve and make sure that we don't repeat the past's mistaken views.

  I'm original of German background and I wondered, would anybody find it acceptable if there were Hitler statues in Germany? One could argue that he did some good things as well...

  I say get rid of the statue, we should not glorify people that clearly were in the wrong and send the wrong message

  We should review the past by today's standards, that's how we evolve and make sure that we don't repeat the past's mistaken views.

  I'm original of German background and I wondered, would anybody find it acceptable if there were Hitler statues in Germany? One could argue that he did some good things as well...

  I say get rid of the statue, we should not glorify people that clearly were in the wrong and send the wrong message
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  Balance

  by Megan Richards, about 6 years ago
  i would prefer not to see the figure of john a mcd but to leave the courtroom stage and the seat and a plaque explaining who he was and ALL of what he is responsible for in Canada. this courtroom image would serve to imply a continued quest for justice while at the same time bringing the canadian past into the present. i think an acknowledgement that we need truth and reconciliation (and, i would add, restitution) to play a strong role in the recognition and honouring of both settler history achievements and atrocities.

  alternatively, if he must stay, then... Continue reading

  i would prefer not to see the figure of john a mcd but to leave the courtroom stage and the seat and a plaque explaining who he was and ALL of what he is responsible for in Canada. this courtroom image would serve to imply a continued quest for justice while at the same time bringing the canadian past into the present. i think an acknowledgement that we need truth and reconciliation (and, i would add, restitution) to play a strong role in the recognition and honouring of both settler history achievements and atrocities.

  alternatively, if he must stay, then an addition could be incorporated into the presentation that would visually represent and honour the impact his despicable racism had on the building of canada and the resilience of first nations in the face of such insidious and destructive policies and actions
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  Perspective

  by ba-mason, about 6 years ago
  I would like to see it stay. He’s a very important figure in the history of this Country. That being said, I’d like the other side, the dark side to be told as well. Whether a second statue in his shadow ( the dirty secret), or an additional plaque telling the story.. it is important to have a “scale of justice”, weighing out what was acceptable practices at the time, and how we’ve grown, and that the journey continues still to this day....

  I would like to see it stay. He’s a very important figure in the history of this Country. That being said, I’d like the other side, the dark side to be told as well. Whether a second statue in his shadow ( the dirty secret), or an additional plaque telling the story.. it is important to have a “scale of justice”, weighing out what was acceptable practices at the time, and how we’ve grown, and that the journey continues still to this day....
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  Keep it

  by Sami Lester, about 6 years ago

  I don't usually post public opinions, but I do want to share that while Sir John A's statue deserves the red paint dumped all over it, he is a part of our history and erasing everything from memory that has been a national shame is not the way to go. We have to remember the last to not repeat the past.

  I don't usually post public opinions, but I do want to share that while Sir John A's statue deserves the red paint dumped all over it, he is a part of our history and erasing everything from memory that has been a national shame is not the way to go. We have to remember the last to not repeat the past.
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  Our past is our shame

  by Kelvin Wannamaker, about 6 years ago
  Let's just admit it, most of our ancestor's mine included were "given" land by the King of England after the American Revolution and we call ourselves United Empire Loyalists for this reason. We flourished in this land, land taken from the native inhabitants, and continue to this day. Honesty around what we did to the native people of this continent hasn't been a strong point of White society until very recent times. I'm 64 years old, completed my secondary education here in the Belleville area, and moved on. History, Canadian history was an important subject taught those many years ago... Continue reading

  Let's just admit it, most of our ancestor's mine included were "given" land by the King of England after the American Revolution and we call ourselves United Empire Loyalists for this reason. We flourished in this land, land taken from the native inhabitants, and continue to this day. Honesty around what we did to the native people of this continent hasn't been a strong point of White society until very recent times. I'm 64 years old, completed my secondary education here in the Belleville area, and moved on. History, Canadian history was an important subject taught those many years ago to those of us who attended school in the 1960s and 1970s. The only thing wrong with this is that the atrocities we White people committed against our fellow Indigenous brothers and sisters were never taught, never explained we were ignorant of these facts and many are still today ignorant of these facts. Those great historical figures from Canada's past like Sir John A. MacDonald do play a part in our history and an important part but should we, White society impose the likenesses of these people on those who had their existence and lives irreparably altered, destroyed, wiped clean? Is this how we as a society really want to treat those who suffered, died all so one group of people could flourish, control, and maintain dominance over another. These statues and in particular the one in Picton now only show our selfishness, our pride, ignoring others.
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  Understanding History Helps Us Move Forward

  by Peter McCabe, about 6 years ago

  The statue recognizes Sir John A. McDonald as a key architect of Confederation. He must be understood in the context of the 19th century. The statue should remain to acknowledge his contribution towards the creation of Canada. At the same time, we must recognize and highlight his failings in his treatment of Indigenous people.

  The statue recognizes Sir John A. McDonald as a key architect of Confederation. He must be understood in the context of the 19th century. The statue should remain to acknowledge his contribution towards the creation of Canada. At the same time, we must recognize and highlight his failings in his treatment of Indigenous people.