Frank Oliver plaque permanently removed by City of Edmonton
An often-vandalized memorial featuring the face of former MP Frank Oliver will no longer be displayed in front of Edmonton's Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
The plaque was removed by city crews on June 10 as part of general maintenance in the area and a decision has been made to not put it back.
Oliver served as minister of the interior between 1905 and 1911 when the federal government enacted a number of policies targeting Indigenous land rights and restricting immigration.
"The city is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous nations and therefore we have no plans to replace the plaque of Frank Oliver," city spokesperson Mary-Ann Thurber told CTV News Edmonton Thursday.
"No decision has been made about what will happen to the bas-relief image."
The plaque had been covered in red paint at least twice in the last two years.
Frank Oliver died in 1933.
The controversy surrounding honouring his namesake heated up in 2020, leading the Oliver Community League to request that Edmonton rename the neighbourhood. In 2021, a shopping centre dropped "Oliver" from its name.
Thurber said the city is currently drafting a new policy for statues and memorials, which will be presented to council later this year.
"That policy will outline how the city supports the commemoration and recognition of individuals, events and organizations to ensure we stay up-to-date with and are reflective of our diverse and inclusive community values," Thurber wrote.
Local statues of Emily Murphy and Winston Churchill have also been smeared with red paint.
The spot where a Frank Oliver plaque used to be displayed on Jasper Avenue and 100 Street (John Hanson/CTV News Edmonton).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.