May 28, 2025 – 2:39pm
In a welcome and long-overdue development, the Board of Internal Economy (BOIE), which oversees operations at the Ontario Legislature, has voted 3–1 to unbox the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald. For too long, our nation’s founding Prime Minister has remained entombed in a wooden crate — a decision rooted more in political appeasement than public interest. Some minor restoration and remediation work remains, including addressing a rodent infestation, but the statue is expected to be fully revealed in the coming weeks.
We extend our sincere thanks to Premier Doug Ford for listening to the concerns raised by IntegrityTO, along with those of countless Canadians who recognized how deeply disrespectful and demoralizing it was to conceal a monument to our nation’s founder. Boxing up Sir John was a visual symbol of surrender to radical pressure — and it sent a message that our leaders were more interested in placating anarchists than preserving history.
Let this serve as a reminder: the maximum penalty for defacing a statue under a criminal mischief charge is two years in prison. That law must be enforced without hesitation to deter any attempt to repeat the disgraceful acts of 2020. The climate of impunity must come to an end.
Credit is also due to important voices such as Brian Lilley, The Globe & Mail, Pierre Poilievre, Rebel News, Canada Proud, and social media platforms like 6ixBuzz, for helping to spotlight this issue and shape public discourse.
This may be one win, but it’s part of a broader fight — a cultural battle to reclaim our national pride and push back against those who attempt to bully Canadians into shame over their own country. We can confront and acknowledge painful truths about the past without paving over our history and national heritage.
Yesterday, IntegrityTO Executive Director, Daniel Tate appeared on the Alex Pierson show to discuss the matter in more detail. Video below.