Winston Churchill statue in downtown Edmonton vandalized
A statue of Sir Winston Churchill that sits in the downtown Edmonton square that bears his name has been vandalized and left partly covered in red paint.
Police say they received a call about the vandalism around 10:45 a.m. on Thursday.
Estimates for time and cost of a clean-up have yet to be determined.
Mayor Don Iveson said that motivation behind the vandalism is unclear, but that the city welcomes discussion over issues of inclusiveness and addressing historical wrongdoing.
"There are more productive ways to move society along towards a more inclusive and uplifting future than vandalizing city property," he said.
"The most productive debate and balanced community discussions are where facts can be shared and public input can be heard."
Iveson noted city council is scheduled to hear a report on Aug. 24 about reviewing and revising the city's naming policy.
Churchill is revered by many for his role as Britain's prime minister during the Second World War and leading the country to victory over Nazi Germany.
But critics say he held racist views, particularly against India, and drew criticism for his defence of the colonial British Empire.
Similar statues in London and Canada have been defaced or boarded up within the past year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.