Good morning. This is Hanna Lee.

There's a growing movement in Canada to restore monuments of some historical figures, in particular Sir John A. Macdonald. Many statues were taken down in 2020, at times by force, in the racial reckoning during the COVID-19 era. Could the pendulum be swinging back?
 

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Sir John A. Macdonald was erased from some public spaces. Now there's a movement to bring him back

(Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

During the racial reckoning of the Black Lives Matter era in 2020, Canada grappled with its checkered past. That led to the statues of some foundational figures being removed, sometimes by force. Now, there's a growing movement to restore some of what was taken down.

What's happening: Former and current politicians, historians and members of the public are looking to bring back certain monuments, particularly those of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister. And there are some signs the pendulum is swinging back as a result of their advocacy. For example, the statues of Macdonald and other prime ministers were put back this summer in Wilmot, Ont., after years in storage. The monument now features plaques acknowledging past wrongs.

What else: Some advocates, like former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole, argue that Canadians should embrace their national pride (despite some "horrible acts of the past"), especially during a trade war with the U.S. Macdonald has been criticized in part for his association with the residential school system. Though many of these schools were operational before his time and long after, his government actively encouraged their expansion. But not everyone agrees. Omeasoo Wahpasiw of Carleton University says that while Macdonald represents nation-building for some Canadians, he's a symbol of genocide to others.

Holidays can be a more difficult time for domestic abuse victims, advocates say

(Michelle Both/CBC)

The holidays can be one of the most dangerous times for women experiencing intimate partner violence, or IPV, advocates say, with several incidents reported recently in southwestern Ontario alone.

What's happening: More people are home over the holidays, and the extra time off work and fewer routines can create a sense of isolation, said Jennifer Dunn of the London Abused Women's Centre. That can create more opportunities for violence. Other factors like family gatherings, financial pressures and increased alcohol consumption can also contribute, said Jessie Rodger of Anova, Ontario's largest women's shelter.

What else: Both the London Abused Women's Centre and Anova say they tend to get more calls earlier in December, as women reach out for support before the holidays, followed by another increase in January. IPV reports rose by about 18 per cent in Ontario in 2024, according to Ontario Provincial Police, though many cases go unreported. If you suspect someone is experiencing IPV, advocates suggest letting them know they're not alone if they need support.

Simple advice to help you have a flu-free Christmas and a healthy holiday season

(Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

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