To be just in our time

"I do not think the purpose of a government is to right the past. It cannot rewrite history. It is our purpose to be just in our time" - Pierre Trudeau 

We can recognise and discuss the dark side of McDonald's legacy while also celebrating what good he did for Canada. 

PEI, Nova Scotia, British Colombia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are all members of this country because of him. His main life work was to unite us. Because he knew united we were strong. In the late 19th century that is what allowed us to retain our sovereignty from the encroaching USA. We owe Canada to him. Without him we would likely not exist. Without him the USA would have taken the west and committed like atrocities. 

We can make good on reconciliation without removing McDonald. Removing statues is cheap reconciliation anyway. We have made profound reconciliation between French and English without removing him and others. Is it impossible to duplicate that? To do it again?