Canadian PM Justin Trudeau: Anti-racism Activists Need To Relearn The Struggle For Equality

PM Kanada Justin Trudeau (Instagram / @ justinpjtrudeau)

JAKARTA - Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau condemned the vandalism of the statue of Canada's first PM, John A. Macdonald in Montreal. According to him, the destruction of the statue of the former PM proves that anti-racism activists need to learn again to fight for equality. This is because racism is not just a historical error.

"I am very disappointed with the vandalism that occurred over the weekend. But we are a country of law," said Trudeau quoted from CNA, Tuesday, September 1.

"And we are a country that needs to respect that law, even as we try to correct and change it. We view that such acts of vandalism lead neither to the path to justice nor greater equality in the country, "he added.

Organized black bloc militants have toppled the statue of Canada's first prime minister, John Macdonald, in Montreal. They used umbrellas & sheets to shield their criminal comrades. The statue's head broke off as it crashed to the ground. #BLM pic.twitter.com/ViarNxmJbh

- Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 29, 2020

Even so, Trudeau admits that he understands the frustration of the Canadian people over the slow government's handling of cases of discrimination and racism. Therefore, he promised to discuss the matter further in the government.

For him, it is not uncommon for Canadians to question the legacy of a former prime minister. But, it must be understood, John A. Macdonald was not a perfect figure either. Behind the strengths, there are also weaknesses and mistakes.

"There is a lot we have to do as a country to end discrimination and part of that needs to have a clear view of the past. Especially the mistakes made by the previous generation who built this country," he said.

Not only Trudeau. The head of the government of Quebec, Francois Legault tweeted the criticism. He said, knocking down statues is not a solution.

"Whatever people think of John A. Macdonald, destroying a statue in that way is unacceptable. We must fight racism. But destroying this part of our history is not the solution," he explained.

Earlier, on Saturday, August 29, the bronze statue of John A. Macdonald, which has been standing since 1895, was damaged and beheaded by hundreds of people who participated in the anti-racism protest. Protesters consider the statue of the former PM unworthy of remembrance given his past sins in perpetuating racism in Canada.