Summary:

We are calling on the Government of British Columbia to restore the statue of Canada’s founding Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, to the Legislative grounds in Victoria— in full view of the public—until a fair, open, and transparent consultation process involving all citizens can take place.

Full Description:

On August 11, 2018, the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald was removed from Victoria City Hall in the early morning hours. The operation—executed without public notice, minimal council debate, and no opportunity for community input—was led by an unelected advisory group known as the City Family. The proposal was only brought to council for a vote with just a few days’ notice. Even some councillors reported being blindsided by a decision that had been developed in secrecy for nearly a year.

The removal process cost taxpayers over $30,000 and was carried out with police presence and city crews before most of the public even woke up, (starting at 5:00 am). Mayor Lisa Helps later publicly apologized for the rushed and exclusive nature of the process, acknowledging that many people felt excluded.

We are calling for the statue to be temporarily returned to the Legislative grounds—in its original and unaltered form—until a full and proper discussion with all concerned parties can take place, including citizens, elected officials, historians, and Indigenous leaders.

This is a call for democratic fairness and historical integrity. Removing monuments without consultation undermines the very foundations of participatory democracy. Let us have the conversation—openly, honestly, and together.

Sign this petition if you believe:

✅ History should be preserved not rewritten — and not erased in secrecy

✅ Statues should be historical reminders, not political statements

✅Canada’s founding figures deserve public representation

✅ Decisions impacting public spaces must involve full public  disclosure

Let us stand for historical truth

Let us bring Macdonald back

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