Military historian urges caution in Halifax’s debate over Cornwallis
Posted May 6, 2016 9:48 am.
Last Updated May 6, 2016 11:00 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – There is early opposition to an upcoming Halifax council debate that could remove the name of city’s founder from municipal landmarks.
Councillor Waye Mason is introducing a motion next week to re-evaluate “commemorations” of Nova Scotia’s first governor, Edward Cornwallis, including a street, park and prominent statue in downtown Halifax.
John Boileau of the Halifax Military Preservation Society worries council’s discussion will be based on one-sided, racially charged and historically inaccurate claims that dominate the public debate.
In 1749, Cornwallis issued a bounty on the scalps of Mi’kmaq men, women and children. Some historians characterize the order as a “genocide.”
Boileau said re-naming these sites is a slippery slope that could lead to the erasure of Nova Scotia’s history.
The historian says council should appoint a panel of historians, Mi’kmaq advocates and lawyers to discuss the issue. He says he would respect the panel’s decision, whatever its outcome.
A group calling for Nova Scotia’s Cornwallis River to be renamed is presenting a plan to several regional councils in June. A Halifax junior high named for Cornwallis was renamed in 2012.
