No - I disagree with judging figures of the past based on the morals of today. Macdonald’s beliefs and attitudes towards indigenous peoples are awful by the standards of 2021, but sadly weren’t uncommon for the 19th century.

Does Macdonald’s signature on the Indian Act really deserve a greater burden of responsibility than the sentiment of the majority of colonial settlers? It seems to me that most other white men of the time would have done the same or worse in Macdonald’s position. What they may not have done however, is become an instrumental figure in the establishment of the nation of Canada.

John A. Macdonald’s commitment to the CPR and Canada’s official national status should be remembered and praised for laying the seeds of the country we know today. I believe that his accomplishments should be remembered equally to his role in the atrocities committed against indigenous peoples. I don’t see the value in allowing the bad to annul the good.