City council to vote on John A. Macdonald statue relocation

The fate of Regina’s statue of Canada’s first prime minister could be decided soon.

The statue of John A. Macdonald in Victoria Park has been under review by the city since June for what critics call a “harmful legacy.” As prime minister, Macdonald played a role in creating the Indian residential school system.

Now, city administration is recommending the statue be removed.

Council is to vote Wednesday on whether or not to “relocate the Sir. John A. Macdonald Statue and place it into storage while consultations occur with partners and public on an appropriate future location, as well as an accompanying balanced educational programming and narrative,” a city report said.

If that motion passes, the city would look into a new place for the statue and make a decision by early 2022.

The report argues “the statue creates barriers for some Regina residents to visit and participate in events in Victoria Park and Pat Fiacco Plaza.”

It also responds to a common defence of the statue: That it should stay because of its historic value.

“Presence or removal of the statue does not on its own increase or decrease understanding of history. Additional educational efforts and programming are required,” it states.

Controversy has brewed over Macdonald’s likeness in Victoria Park for years.

In 2017, a petition circulated calling for its removal, and the statue was covered in police tape and a white sheet.

In 2018, it was defaced with red paint by a Vibank man, leading to mischief charges.

Last September, former Conservative Party leader and Regina Qu’Appelle MP Andrew Scheer spoke out in support of the statue. He was met by protesters hurling insults like “Nazi” and “white supremacist.”

More to come.