To some, it's the Infamous Five
“Though these women were clearly pioneers of the feminist movement -- besides the Persons Case, they also were instrumental in establishing the Alberta Dower Act in 1917 that granted women property rights in marriage -- at least three of them held views that can only be described as xenophobic and racist.
Emily Murphy, writing under the pen name of Janey Canuck and regularly appearing in Maclean's and other publications, attacked Chinese immigrants, American blacks, Jews and other Eastern Europeans who had chosen Alberta as their home.”
Many celebrated Canadians held racist views unacceptable today
“At least a dozen Canadians who’ve been formally recognized for their historic significance – including a past prime minister – harboured racial attitudes that would be deemed unacceptable today.
A review of Parks Canada’s roster of 648 persons of national historic significance turned up several outspoken anti-Semites, others who championed a type of scientific racism known as eugenics and a politician despised in Quebec for his anti-Catholic bigotry.”
Should we really be celebrating Sir John A. Macdonald’s birthday?
"But if we are serious about teaching Canadian history and the story of the man who founded this country, then we should not cherry-pick only his laurels, while ignoring all the wrongs that he committed on entire communities and peoples." |