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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.