Two-in-five think cancelling Canada’s past heroes weakens understanding of history
A new poll suggests Canadians are divided on whether the ongoing campaign by governments to erase historical figures and monuments undermines national understanding.
A new poll suggests Canadians are divided on whether the ongoing campaign by governments to erase historical figures and monuments undermines national understanding, even after years of relentless name changes and statue removals.
A poll released Wednesday by the Angus Reid Institute found that 39 per cent of Canadians believe that cancelling figures such as Sir John A. Macdonald, Egerton Ryerson and Hector-Louis Langevin worsens Canadians’ understanding of their history.
In contrast, 33 per cent of respondents believe changing public institution names, buildings, or removing statues has no impact on Canadians’ historical understanding. Only 18 per cent argued that challenging past Canadian figures would improve overall historical understanding.
Angus Reid surveyed 2,508 Canadian adults from July 24-29 on Indigenous issues, including their views on recent efforts to “cancel” historical Canadian leaders. The sample was weighted by census data. A probability sample of the same size has a 1.5 per cent margin of error 19 times out of 20.
Indigenous respondents shared similar views: 35 per cent said cancelling historical figures worsens Canadians’ understanding of the country’s history. However, 25 per cent said removing these figures improves historical knowledge, while 30 per cent said it has no real impact. Métis were more likely to believe removing figures weakens historical understanding (40 per cent), compared to 30 per cent of First Nations people.
Clear trends emerged based on respondents’ political party affiliation in the previous election.
Conservative voters were most likely to say that “cancelling” Canada’s past would lead to a worse level of historical understanding among Canadians. Sixty-four per cent of CPC voters said removing historical figures from public life would worsen things, with only 25 per cent saying it would have no real impact.
Liberal voters were split, with 27 per cent believing it would improve understanding and an equal 27 per cent believing it would worsen it. Liberal supporters were most likely to say cancelling the figures would have no impact (37 per cent).
NDP voters were the most likely to say that removing historical figures’ names from buildings, institutions, and statues would improve Canadians’ understanding of history. The Bloc Québécois were the most likely to be indifferent, with 48 per cent saying it would have no real impact.
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I was just going to comment that 2 in 5 seemed quite low. Then I saw that it was an Angus Reid poll and got it. It's been my experience that while in the past AR conducted legitimate, non-partisan polls that this is no longer the case. I've observed a definite leaning to the left over the last few years in their polls. I wouldn't give you a pinch of coon sh*t for any of their so-called data these days.
two out of five means that all birth Canadians understand our past and want it honoured. The rest are immigrants that want to impose their past and beliefs on this country. they don't move here to assimilate. They move here to control! the Trudeau family Canadian legacy! Traitors???