The controversial Mother Canada project planned for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia will not be going ahead.
Citing too many unknowns, Parks Canada withdrew its support for the $25-million project, backed by a private group, the Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation.
“Parks Canada will no longer be working towards the realization of the memorial in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As a result, the project will not be moving forward on Parks Canada land,” the news release said.
“Parks Canada appreciates the Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation’s vision in honouring Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and wishes the Foundation success in its on-going pursuits.”
The news came as a shock and disappointment to the Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation, community director Meg Stokes said in a statement Friday afternoon. Stokes suggested that the 24-metre statue, which had support in the former Conservative government, had become a political pawn.
“We are heartbroken that our project has fallen victim to politics and deeply saddened that so many people in Cape Breton were treated in this shocking manner by Parks Canada,” said Stokes in a statement.
“This is disappointing to veterans across the country and the current members of the Canadian Forces who support this project.”
Sean Howard, spokesman for Friends of Green Cove, the group that opposed the project, called the decision “bittersweet.”
“It has been a bitter struggle and we believe an entirely preventable struggle,” Howard told CBC News. “The project should never have been seriously contemplated for Green Cove.”
With files from the Canadian Press and CBC News
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