Controversy Surrounding Unveiling of Sir Winston Churchill Statue in Calgary

Protesters holding signs with contentious quotes attributed to Sir Winston Churchill disrupted the unveiling ceremony of a statue dedicated to the wartime leader in Calgary.

The nine-foot bronze monument, erected in front of the McDougall Centre this spring, was the focal point of the event.

Among those voicing their dissent was William Gillies, a history graduate student, who emphasized that statues are not mere historical artifacts but political statements open to public debate.

In 2022, news of the statue had sparked controversy due to Churchill‘s contentious views on race and colonialism, where he made disparaging remarks about certain races and espoused the supremacy of white Christians.

Protesters at the event held up signs bearing Churchill’s quotes regarding Indigenous people and women, reflecting the ongoing opposition to Churchill’s legacy.

Several statues of Churchill, including ones in his hometown and Edmonton, have been targets of vandalism multiple times.

The statue in Calgary was erected to honour Churchill’s contributions and was placed in a location he cherished in the late 1920s, facing the eastern slopes.

The Sir Winston Churchill Society of Calgary spearheaded the fundraising for the statue, with Alberta contributing $60,000 toward preparing the site at McDougall Centre.

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, a member of the Churchill Society, lauded Churchill as the ‘greatest leader of the modern era’ and stressed the importance of recognizing historical figures despite potential controversies.

Kenney expressed concerns about potential vandalism of the statue, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical legacies even in the face of criticism.