Commentary
The pantheon of Canadian historical figures got a bit smaller last year.
In 2019, Parks Canada began scrutinizing thousands of bronze historical plaques scattered across the country commemorating nationally significant persons, places, and events. The review is part of an effort to “advance reconciliation and to confront the legacy of colonialism.”
To date, 229 subjects have been identified as problematic enough to warrant further investigation. Plaques might be revised, or in “exceptional circumstances” the designations could be revoked entirely. Despite reassurances from Parks Canada that “History is not being erased through the review of these designations,” some plaques have already begun to disappear….