York Region District School Board trustees vote to rename Sir John A. Macdonald Public School

York Region District School Board trustees voted to rename Sir John A. Macdonald Public School at a special board meeting on Tuesday.

In a release, the board said the decision to change the name is consistent with its policy on school names which “requires school names to be based on principles of equity…”

“Reviewing the names of our schools is an important part of our commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces for all of our students,” said Cynthia Cordova, Board Chair.

“Students, staff and families at this school can feel proud of being a part of this ongoing learning and part of a school community committed to equity, inclusivity and Truth and Reconciliation.”

While the board said the official renaming process will begin in the fall, on Wednesday it removed the name “Sir John A. Macdonald” from the front signage of the school and the school building.

The renaming process will include consultation with the Chippewas of Georgina Island and local school community.

The board says Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, “supported the creation of residential schools, and created policies to starve Indigenous peoples…”

“As a school board committed to Truth and Reconciliation, it is essential that we engage in learning, listen to Indigenous voices, and take the right steps in response to that learning,” said Director of Education Louise Sirisko.

Hundreds of unmarked graves were recently discovered at the sites of former residential schools in Canada, leading to backlash against prominent figures with ties to the residential school system.

Last month the Ryerson statue at the school’s downtown Toronto campus was toppled, and the school said it wouldn’t be replaced.

Egerton Ryerson was one of the architects of Canada’s residential school system.