Amid wider statue debate, Gatineau, Que., quietly reinstalls monument to Samuel de Champlain

The City of Gatineau has reinstated a statue of Samuel de Champlain, the 17th-century explorer who founded Quebec City, amid a broader national debate about the legacy of colonial figures. The monument was taken down almost a decade ago for maintenance but has now been returned to its original spot. This move comes at a time when many are reassessing the role and symbolism of historical statues, highlighting the ongoing tension between honoring history and confronting problematic colonial legacies. The reinstallation reflects local perspectives amid national discussions on the place of such symbols in contemporary society.