Canada remains a nation where the circumstances of birth do not determine one’s life outcomes. Long before freedom of religion, thought and expression were enshrined in our Charter, they were embedded in our national DNA. Canada was founded on notions of individual liberty that, while rooted in the British liberal tradition, are bequeathed to every Canadian, regardless of origin.

Today, that inheritance is undercut by an activist class that seeks to delegitimize Canada’s political traditions and vilify its history.

MLI defends Canada’s political tradition. 

As the City of Montreal debated what to do with Sir John A. Macdonald’s statue after a mob attacked it, MLI reminded Canadians that our first Prime Minister was a progressive for his time. While local governments caved to the madness of crowds, preemptively removing Macdonald statues and renaming schools bearing his name, we highlighted Macdonald’s outsized contribution to our nation.

When Egerton Ryerson’s statue was toppled by protestors, MLI Senior Fellow, Patrice Dutilwork, defended Ryerson’s record as a friend of the Indigenous people and an advocate for minority rights.

When the City of Toronto claimed Henry Dundas delayed abolition, MLI corrected the record, noting Dundas was a leading abolitionist whose amendment to the 1792 resolution led to the very first statement against slavery.

Sadly, Canadians can no longer rely on their media, academics, or even elected representatives to demand a fair hearing when Canada’s history, founding figures and fundamental values come under attack. Whether captured by progressive orthodoxy, or simply cowardly in the face of controversy, most sacrifice truth to political ends.

MLI speaks out with courage and credibility when others are silent.

The truth is that Canada is well worth celebrating. No nation is without historical wrongdoing, but few have done more than Canada to reconcile with the past and build a better future. Toppling statues, spending millions to rename public infrastructure, and cultivating collective shame is not the path to meaningful reconciliation. Indigenous communities deserve our attention focused on clean water and prosperity building instead.

As MLI Fellow Melissa Mbarki noted when the City of Calgary cancelled Canada Day fireworks in the name of reconciliation, such symbolic declarations are often made without the consent of, or even consultation with, Indigenous people. Shortly after Mbarki’s piece was published, Calgary City Council reversed its decision.

When Canadians stand up together, activist policymakers back down. Watch a video of Melissa’s story below!

As proud Canadians, MLI will always stand on guard for our legacy and defend the traditions that keep us strong and free.