Poll Reveals Strong Support for Returning Sir John A. Macdonald Statue in Kingston
A recent survey indicates that seven out of ten residents in Kingston, Ontario, want the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald restored to its former location in City Park. The poll, commissioned by the Canadian Institute for Historical Education and conducted by Nanos Research last month, found that 59% of respondents strongly support the statue's return, while 12% somewhat support it.
Controversial Removal and Legal Questions
The statue of Canada's first prime minister was removed in June 2021 after Kingston City Council voted 12-1 to take it down. This decision followed controversy over Macdonald's role in establishing the Indian Residential School system. However, Mark O'Farrell, chair of Kingston Friends of the Canadian Institute for Historical Education, argues that the removal violated the Ontario Heritage Act.
"A permit is required to remove anything within a heritage district," O'Farrell said. "They didn't even apply for it." He claims city staff misled councillors by incorrectly stating the removal was legal, and he hopes the Kingston Heritage Properties Committee will refer the issue back to council for a new vote.
Historical Significance and Public Sentiment
O'Farrell emphasized Macdonald's contributions, noting he co-founded Canada and created the Canadian Pacific Railway, which united the nation. "He was the first prime minister of Canada, he was a Kingstonian," O'Farrell said. "If any person deserves a statue in Kingston, it's Sir John A. Macdonald." He also disputed linking Macdonald directly to residential school atrocities, pointing out that mandatory attendance began 21 years after his death.
The poll results show limited opposition: 13% oppose the statue's return, 7% somewhat oppose it, and 9% are unsure. O'Farrell called the 2021 council vote an overzealous action, stating, "There are checks and balances in place to make sure that people don't act overzealously, and in this case, they did."
Next Steps and Community Impact
The issue is set to be discussed at a Kingston Heritage Properties Committee meeting, with advocates pushing for a democratic resolution. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between historical preservation and reevaluation of controversial figures in Canadian history. As Kingston grapples with this legacy, the poll suggests a majority of locals favor restoring the monument, reflecting a desire to honor Macdonald's foundational role despite the complexities of his record.
