DON BUTLER - AUGUST 23, 2010

OTTAWA — At least a dozen Canadians who’ve been formally recognized for their historic significance — including a past prime minister — harboured racial attitudes that would be deemed unacceptable today.

A review of Parks Canada’s roster of 648 persons of national historic significance turned up several outspoken anti-Semites, others who championed a type of scientific racism known as eugenics and a politician despised in Quebec for his anti-Catholic bigotry.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Jewish Congress declared it will oppose official recognition of former Ottawa mayor Charlotte Whitton because of her role in keeping Jewish children out of Canada during the Second World War.

Whitton, the first woman to serve as mayor of a Canadian city, was nominated last year for her pioneering work as a politician, feminist and social worker.

Full story

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Further reading:

• Famous Five Statue Honours Racism and Eugenics Advocates
• Sterilizing the “Feeble-minded”: Eugenics in Alberta, Canada, 1929–1972
• Our Own Master Race: Eugenics in Canada, 1885-1945

Tags: Alberta, Canada

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