I think we should make sure to recognize the event or those figures, and let various stakeholders within the system—for instance, people working in our museums and schools, our professors, our historians and researchers—talk honestly and truthfully about those figures, and not only spread propaganda. According to our surveys, generally speaking, Canadians like us to recognize the good and the bad parts of our history, and not only emphasize what seems good by thinking—mistakenly, in my opinion—that talking about something negative undermines people's attachment to Canada. I think our population appreciates debates. By the way, John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, George Brown and other important figures from the Confederation were not necessarily very likeable people. There are some important debates, which must be part of our commemoration.
On November 20th, 2012. See this statement in context.