THE name of Scottish politician Henry Dundas is set to be removed from the main square of a Canadian city.
On Thursday, Toronto City Council voted to rename Yonge-Dundas Square – which is one of the busiest places in Toronto – to Sankofa Square.
Councillors also recommended other landmarks be stripped of Dundas’s name due to the Scot’s connections with the slave trade.
Dundas served as an MP for Edinburgh between 1790 – 1802 and supported of the abolition of the slave trade.
However, in 1792 he introduced an amendment to a William Wilberforce’s motion abolishing the practice.
Dundas’s call for the word “gradual” to be added to the motion was accepted by MPs.
While there is debate surrounding Dundas’s intentions, some argue that he stalled full abolition in the UK and was “instrumental” in prolonging the slave trade.
Relatives of Dundas have argued he was being strategic and attempting to ensure the bill would be passed.
The motion passed by 19 votes to 2. The new name refers to the concept of “Sankofa”, which originates in Ghana and “refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past which enables us to move forward together.”
It is expected the square will be officially renamed by the second quarter of 2024.
The Jane/Dundas library and the Dundas and Dundas West subway stations are also set to be renamed over the next two years.
Toronto mayor Olivia Chow (above) hailed the passing of the motion as “beautiful”. She told the council that Dundas’s actions were “horrific”.
“It’s heartbreaking and of course there’s been extensive debate,” she said.
“But ultimately we are charting a path forward, one that is addressing community concerns.
“It enables us to move forward together, it’s just beautiful. I couldn’t think of a better name for a gathering place at the heart of our city.”
Councillor Stephen Holyday, one of two councillors to vote against the name change, said he felt the council was wrong about Dundas and that renaming the square may damage public trust in government.
It comes after Edinburgh City Council agreed that a replacement plaque explaining Henry Dundas's role in delaying the abolition of the slave trade will be installed on the Melville Monument.
The original plaque was removed by members of the Dundas family.
