It is important that we acknowledge that the attitudes and actions current during earlier eras differ than our own (and in some ways were deplorable by current standards): We do both ourselves & the past a serious disservice, however, if we allow valid criticisms of our earlier leaders to obscure the good they did.

While Sir John A reflected the racist attitudes common to his era, he did actively oppose the strident anti-Catholic & anti-French Canadian biases of the Orange Order & too many other Canadians of that period. He was instrumental in bringing moderate Irish & French speaking Catholics & moderate Protestants together to form Canada & work together politically (failing only during the Riel Hanging Crisis).

We should celebrate the achievements of the past while acknowleging its shortcomings.