There is no doubt Canada should erect a monument commemorating victims of communism. However, it needs to be done properly.
So far, the proposed Memorial for Victims of Communism has only been the brunt of criticism.
The planned site, between the Supreme Court of Canada and Library and Archives Canada is the main topic of concern.
This particular piece of land is estimated to have a value over $1 million and has been in the works to be the home of a new federal court for Canada.
So the land should be used for the betterment of this nation and not for a monument where this country had no direct connection.
Yes, nearly one-quarter of Canadians have roots that trace back to countries that were at some point under communist rule but communist leaders never controlled Canada.The most famous Canadian moment from the Cold War is a hockey series, which comparatively to other nations is very minimal.
The criticism of the monument is coming from people who really should have a say in the matter. Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin is concerned the building of the monument “could send the wrong message within the judicial precinct,” on the land where it has previously been expected the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Judicial Building would call home.
Former Ottawa-area MP David Daubney was much more accusatory of the Harper government, and anti-terrorist propaganda in a letter to the Ottawa Citizen.
“Does the government want a revived 1950s Red Scare to be added to its fear of terrorism campaign, or is this just a convenient, if expensive, way for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to thumb his nose at the Supreme Court in perpetuity,” he wrote.
Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar and Ottawa architect Barry Padolsky have both recently been quoted in the media stating the importance of the site on a national level and the permanence of whatever will eventually be built on the land. Permanent is the key word designers of the monument need to take in to account when it is eventually built.
The durability of the current design of the planned monument, as well as the budget, are also under criticism. The current plan is to represent 100 million pixel-like squares, each to commemorate a victim, but it is believed this design will not withstand Ottawa winters.
Although Canada was not directly affected by communism, it is undeniably a factor in the shape the nation has today. Many Canadians, or their ancestors, came to Canada to escape communist regimes.
So, the suffering should be commemorated. There should be tribute to these sufferings.
However, more planning clearly needs to be done before this monument can be erected.
Keep the prestigious national site for a new judicial building. Find a new location for the memorial and develop a design that will not deteriorate. Nothing will be gained if the victims of communism are remembered only for the criticism the monument met.