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The words “communism” and “1984” were scrawled on the surface and a large X was scratched on the plaque that explained the reasons for the statue’s removal.

Helps says she’s not surprised the plaque was vandalized.

Macdonald should be celebrated for “all the great things” he has done but it’s also time to “grapple with all the other legacies of his term in office,” Helps told radio station CFAX.

“I think we have broadened the conversation and if that’s changing history, then maybe we have.”

Helps has been criticized for fast-tracking the statue’s removal just two days after council vote on Thursday, but she dismissed complaints about a lack of consultation.

“I don’t imagine, in 1982, when the statue was put in, there was any consultation either.”

Photo by Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press

The Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations were consulted because they are the most directly affected, she said.

Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s minister of tourism, culture and sport, told the legislature Monday that it is important to learn from the mistakes made by historical figures.

“There are historical figures who served in this house from across the political spectrum who, frankly, their views would not be viewed very appreciatively now,” she said. “We cannot let extreme political correctness dictate what people can learn and see in our communities. Using that logic, there would not be a museum open in the province of Ontario today.”

Helps said Victoria continues to look for the right place for the statue.

“The city has no intention of getting rid of the statue. It was a gift to the city,” she said in her text to The Canadian Press. “We are storing it carefully and in the meantime, we will have a continued dialogue with the nations and the community as to the best place, way and context to place the statue that balances commemoration with reconciliation.”

(The Canadian Press, CFAX)