Sir John A. Macdonald statue to be uncovered at Queen’s Park, sparking new tensions with First Nations

The wooden structure that has hidden a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald on the Ontario Legislature’s front lawn for five years is set to be removed this summer, reigniting debate about the first prime minister’s tainted legacy as the province faces new tensions with First Nations. The decision, pushed by Progressive Conservative and Liberal members of a legislative committee, emerged as Premier Doug Ford’s PC government faces vehement opposition from Indigenous leaders over its Bill 5, which would give Ontario sweeping powers to speed up the construction of new mines or other projects.