Michael Higgins Advocates for John A. Macdonald's Statue Return in Kingston
No prophet finds acceptance in his hometown, and great figures often face rejection from their own nation. This sentiment echoes strongly in the ongoing debate surrounding Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's inaugural prime minister, the Father of Confederation, and the visionary behind the Canadian Pacific Railway. In recent years, Macdonald has endured extensive criticism, defamation, attacks, and symbolic dethronement across the country.
The Kingston Controversy and Removal
One of the most disheartening episodes occurred in 2021 when the misguided civic leaders of Kingston, Ontario—Macdonald's birthplace—ordered the removal of his statue from City Park. The monument had stood proudly for 126 years before being placed into storage, where it remains today. This decision sparked significant controversy and divided public opinion in the historic city.
Academic and Historical Push for Restoration
This Wednesday, a coalition of academics, authors, and historians will present their case to the Kingston Heritage Properties Committee, advocating for Macdonald's restoration to his original pedestal. The Kingston Friends of the Canadian Institute for Historical Education will argue that the initial vote to remove the statue was unlawful and violated multiple legislative provisions. They emphasize that history cannot be conveniently boxed away or erased from public consciousness.
Overwhelming Public Support for Return
Recent polling data from Nanos Research reveals substantial public backing for the statue's return. Approximately 71 percent of respondents either support or somewhat support restoring Macdonald's monument to City Park. This indicates a significant shift in public sentiment and suggests that many Kingstonians believe the statue deserves its proper place in the city's landscape.
National Context and Changing Tides
The backlash against Macdonald intensified following the 2020 George Floyd protests in the United States, which migrated northward and transformed into broader complaints about historical injustices. The situation worsened in 2021 with the discovery of anomalies at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia, leading to exaggerated reports and false narratives about mass graves. Statues of Macdonald have been dismantled or concealed in various cities from Victoria to Montreal to Charlottetown.
Recent Reversals and Legal Stand
However, a reversal of this trend began last year. Since 2020, a statue of Macdonald from 1893 outside the Ontario Legislative Assembly had been covered up. In 2025, the legislature decided to free Macdonald from his plywood enclosure, marking a victory for historical preservation and law and order. Donna Skelly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, stated that violence and vandalism would not be tolerated, with enhanced monitoring of the statue and grounds.
Broader Implications and Historical Legacy
City councils, including Kingston's, should not succumb to mob rule but instead adopt a more reasoned and balanced approach to historical monuments. The legacy of figures like Macdonald—and similarly, Winston Churchill in Britain, who faces removal from banknotes—remains complex. Churchill is credited with saving the free world from Hitler's tyranny, while Macdonald's contributions to Canadian nation-building are undeniable. As debates continue, the importance of preserving historical context and engaging in thoughtful dialogue becomes increasingly clear for the good of all Canada.
