Complaints pile up about monument

Correspondence shows Canadians upset about scope of anti-communism memorial

OTTAWA— Stephen Harper’s mailbox is filling up with messages from Canadians upset about the concept, size, location and cost of a national memorial for victims of communism, newly released correspondence shows.

The prime minister has received dozens of handwritten letters, typewritten notes and emails from people — including Conservative supporters — who question the idea of a such a monument, especially just a stone’s throw from the Supreme Court of Canada.

A few people backed the project, though two of them argued it should be built elsewhere.

“With all the calamities happening around the world, such a memorial is hypocritical and short-sighted,” wrote one opponent. “A memorial ought to encompass all victims of human tragedies and incite global leaders to respect their nations and countrymen. Otherwise, don’t bother.”

Some correspondents were more blunt.

“What an absurd project,” wrote one.

“This is outrageous! Stop this waste of my money now,” said another.

The Canadian Press obtained the letters and emails to the prime minister through an Access to Information request that covered correspondence from Jan. 1, 2014, through late June of this year. Some missives are still being processed for release.

The federal government has promoted the planned memorial as a means of recognizing the many millions who died or suffered under communist regimes. The government is managing the project on behalf of Tribute to Liberty, a charity established in 2008.

The concept by Toronto-based Abstrakt Studio Architecture features a series of angular peaks, or “memory folds,” with more than 100 million pixel-like “memory squares” — each representing a person — covering the exterior face of the folds. It also includes a Bridge of Hope and elevated viewing platform.

The $5.5-million project — to be built with federal and private funds — has drawn objections over its imposing design and planned location on a grassy square in the parliamentary precinct long set aside for a new Federal Court building.