Hamilton police investigating red paint poured on Sir John A. Macdonald statue

Hamilton police are investigating after the Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Gore Park was covered in red paint early Monday.

The words land back" could also be seen painted on the ground in front of the statue of Canada's first prime minister.

Police were called to the downtown park around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 9, said Const. Jerome Stewart. The incident is being investigated as mischief.

It is very early in the investigation and we are working to identify those responsible for this crime and to bring them forward to answer for their actions," Stewart said.

Macdonald is a controversial historical figure, remembered both as a founder of Canada but also criticized for his treatment of Indigenous people, including for creating the residential school system.

Similar acts of vandalism have happened in protest against Macdonald in other communities.

The latest incident in Hamilton comes at a time of heightened tension over a land claim dispute in Caledonia where land defenders have occupied a planned housing development site for months. There have been 33 people arrested in connection with Land Back Lane, also known as the McKenzie Meadows housing development.

In Hamilton, crews could be seen power-washing the paint off the controversial statue by late morning.

Police ask anyone with information to call the central criminal investigation branch at 905-546-3821.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com