Victims of Communism

Even though it is primarily within Canada's capital, the proposed Memorial to the Victims of Communism has generated considerable controversy, mainly negative. While the memorial has its supporters, based on what has been reported in the media thus far, there seems to be a significant portion of the population opposed to the current proposal as it relates to its location.

Thus far, the government's position appears to be one of damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead. Point-man, Pierre Poilievre's insistence that the project must proceed as planned is an indication that the government has no interest in listening to the concerns of a wide range of opposition. He may have to pay a price for that approach.

From my perspective, there are three distinct components to this debate. Unfortunately, they are all being discussed as part of one problem rather than individually. The first issue is to decide the need for a monument. The second is the design and size. To facilitate the discussion of the third issue, location, for the purpose of this argument, let's take the position that the first two have received favourable approval.

Part of Mr. Poilievre's current argument for the proposed location is that the government has enough buildings and they don't need another one in that area. Fine. That does not mean however that we should use the space for a monument, particularly one that has political significance. The Supreme Court of Canada building is an impressive structure emitting a visual that when it comes to judicial matters, this is where the buck stops. Having other distractions within the judicial precinct risks sending a message, perceived or otherwise, that the court's independence may be less than objective. A monument with political overtones risks eroding an environment of impartiality that everyone expects to have when attending Canada's highest court. If no other buildings are required to meet the growing demands of the justice system, green space can be a consideration as the judicial precinct needs to be safeguarded from other influences.

While people can debate the merits of a monument and its design, along with a suitable location, there seems to be a growing consensus that the grounds of the judicial precinct are not an appropriate consideration. With such a wide range of opposition to the current proposal, and one that is increasing with each passing day, the government needs to reconsider its decision in this matter. Considering recent polls on the dwindling popularity of the Conservatives along with an October election, the government's refusal to acknowledge what are legitimate concerns to many people may come back to haunt them.

Keep the judicial precinct free from other external influences and from structures that are not related to the administration of justice in Canada.