What about those statues to Banting and Best. Sure they discovered insulin but they experimented on dogs. Those poor puppies.

Seriously. Let's put these people in their proper context. It is okay to respect the achievements of Sir John A Macdonald and others while still recognizing their shortcomings.

There are few historic figures who don't have some controversy. Even Nelson Mandela had a violent past. Barack Obama did not believe in gay marriage until his  feelings on the matter "evolved".

Robert E Lee was a general who fought for his country with distinction. History is unclear whether he supported slavery or not. There is evidence to support both. As a citizen of Virginia he nonetheless joined on the Confederate side.

It is unfortunate that the KKK and white supremacists have hijacked his image for their brand of hate. Let's not lose our focus.