Judge Begbie served honorably as Chief Justice of British Columbia in the second half of the 19th century. In a well-intentioned effort at reconciliation, the Law Society of BC and City of New Westminster voted to remove the statue, without an inclusive public process and without full appreciation for his legacy. Judge Begbie worked to create a just and multicultural society and threw out much racist legislation. Reconciliation is an important objective but demeaning important figures like Judge Begbie can set reconciliation back. In fact the Truth and Reconciliation Commission developed 94 Calls to Action and did not recommend removing and renaming. It said its purpose was not "Shaming and pointing out wrong doing". We believe that groups should take into consideration the exemplary life he led and the foundational work he did in establishing a just and prosperous British Columbia.  We ask that groups engage in a formal process to review the decision that  would allow all information  and points of view to  be considered.

I would like to be notified when any future decisions on Judge Begbie or other figures of British Columbia history are going to be decided on.