Geoff Corfield
Geoffrey Corfield has been active in Conservative politics in Canada since 1976, both federally and provincially. But he won’t always write about politics because he has more experience with writing history and humour. He lives in London, Ontario, frequents used book shops, swims lengths, drinks beer, plays croquet, has his own town in north-central Queensland and six books published, and would very much like to find a publisher for this New Zealand book and its companion one for Australia.
STATUES: PART 3 – BAD STATUES
Louis Riel has a statue in the grounds of the Province of Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (the capital of the province). Louis Riel has a holiday named after him in Manitoba, on the third Monday in February (Louis Riel Day). Louis Riel also has an unofficial Louis Riel Day on 16 November (celebrated by some people).
There is a Louis Riel Institute Adult Learning Centre in Ottawa (the capital of the country). Does Louis Riel have anything to teach people? (Yes and no). Louis Riel is regarded by some people as the “founder” of Manitoba (he isn’t).
Louis Riel was hanged for treason in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada on 16 November 1885. The prime minister of Canada at the time, anthroughout this story, was Sir John A. Macdonald, whose government upheld the verdict and sentence (see Statues: Part 2). Louis Riel was a Metis (half Indian/half white/French). Sir John A. Macdonald wasn’t.
In 1869 The Hudson’s Bay Company sold Rupert’s Land to Canada (area now encompassing Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, a pretty good deal). Canada sends a lieutenant-governor to the Red River Colony (now Winnipeg, established 1812 by Thomas Douglas Lord Selkirk, not Louis Riel, who was born there 1844, Indians did not make settlements).
The Red River Rebellion 1870 – The Metis lead by Louis Riel, form a self-declared government, arm, capture Fort Garry (Winnipeg), hold 48 prisoners, try and execute one by firing squad, close the newspaper and give it to an American who supports the American takeover of Canada, and escort the lieutenant-governor to the USA border.
Manitoba becomes the fifth province of Canada (1870), and Canada sends troops to the Red River, but the rebels flee to the USA before they arrive.
Louis Riel is twice elected to the Parliament of Canada, and twice expelled. He is wanted for murder in Ontario. Canada grants him amnesty and five years banishment (1875). He is committed to a Montreal mental hospital, released (1876), and goes to the USA and becomes an American citizen.
The Northwest Rebellion 1885 – Louis Riel returns to Canada, sets up another government at Batoche, Saskatchewan (north of Saskatoon), arms, and declares independence from Canada. Canada sends troops to Saskatchewan (The Northwest Mounted Police, now The Royal Canadian Mounted Police). There are nine armed engagements. Seventy-one rebels (Metis and Indians), and 46 other Canadians are killed.
Louis Riel is captured and charged with treason. The defence pleads insanity. He is found guilty. The federal cabinet (Macdonald is prime minister), upholds the verdict and sentence. Louis Riel is hanged for treason (and also implicated in the 1870 murder).
Because of this Louis Riel has a statue and all those other honours (bestowed by socialist governments); and Sir John A. Macdonald’s statues are under threat, even in his home town. Who are these Philistines?