North Hastings residents have mixed feelings on if Canada’s first Prime Minister’s name should be removed from schools.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario has made the request to remove Sir John A. MacDonald’s name because of his role in creating residential schools and the genocide against Indigenous people. The ETFO says having schools named after him creates an unsafe environment for kids.
Moose FM took to the streets, to find out if those in North Hastings think his name should be removed from schools.
An Angus Reid survey has recently found that 55 per cent of Canadians are opposed to the request.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has said that although Canada’s first Prime Minister wasn’t perfect, history has to be taught. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had also weighed in, saying MacDonald’s name will stay on buildings owned and managed by the federal government.