Edmonton monuments continue to be vandalized

In less than a month, at least four Edmonton statues or monuments have been hit with red pain. It has the city manager reminding there is a process underway to examine naming and statues, but “vandalism solves nothing.”

EDMONTON (CityNews) – More red paint has been splashed across Edmonton monuments.

The latest monument being the Frank Oliver plaque in the Fairmont Hotel McDonald courtyard, and it’s not the first time this plaque has been hit.

In less than a month it has been hit in four very public incidents. All following the discovery of unmarked residential school graves.

As for Frank Oliver, the scrutiny of his legacy has grown in recent years. The former journalist and Federal Minister was involved in anti-immigrant policies. He was also instrumental in programs that removed first nations from their lands.

The Oliver community is discussing with the city about changing the neighbourhood’s name, and the Edmonton Public School Board has voted to rename the school.

However, on Tuesday after the word racist was removed from the Emily Murphy statue, Edmonton’s city manager recognized there are strong emotions and polarizing opinions around historical figures who no longer reflect modern ideas and values.

In a statement saying work is under way to address naming and statues, “but this type of work takes time and must include the voices of all Edmontonians, not just those who believe they can solve such concerns through damage or destruction. Criminal acts will not drive city policy.”

For the plaque, owned by the Fairmont Hotel which would not provide a comment, as of Wednesday afternoon, police told CityNews no report has been filed.

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