Historic Battle Re-Enactment Cancelled

Plans To Re-Enact Battle Of The Plains of Abraham Nixed

Feb 17, 2009 Laura Steiner

Plans to re-enact the historic battle Plains of Abraham have been cancelled. The decison follows soverignist threats of protests and fears of violence.

National Battlefields Commission Chairman Andre Juneau made the announcement while unveiling plans to commemorate the battle's 250th anniversary.

Battle of the Plains of Abraham

Considered a pivotal battle in the 7 years war, the battle took place outside Québec City in August 1759. The French were represented General Montcalm, and English represented by General Wolfe. Fewer than 10,000 men split between the two armies took part with the French taking more casualties and the English departing the battlefield victorious. It has been re-enacted three times in the last 15 years (1994, 1998, and 2004). The latest re-enactment was to include two thousand people and the events in the days preceding the battle as well.

Separatist Objections

Québec separatists had threatened to protest the event; something they call an insulting reminder of their ancestors defeat. Other groups have called it 'federalist propganda.One group even promised to rally its supporters to demonstrate; the fear those demonstrations could turn violent was enough to trigger the re-enactment’s cancellation.

Bloc Québecios leader Gilles Duceppe has stated he had no problems with most of the planned festivities but has raised objections to a ‘masque ball’ held as an act of defiance by the French days before the battle.

National Battlefield Commission Chairman Andre Juneau announced the cancellation at a Quebec City news conference, which included the Canadian Press: “I am announcing the commission has decided to cancel the re-enactment because of the impossibility of ensuring the safety of the public and participants.”

Re-enactors insist no harm was meant by plans to stage the battle. Horst Dresler, president of the Quebec Historical Corps told CTV Newsnet: “In re-enacting there are no winners, or losers. All we’re trying to do is show history. Period. It’s non-political. It’s just us trying to bring facts to the forefront.” Dressler’s group has promised the re-enactment will be held, even if it has to move. He told the Canadian Press he thought the battle needed to be commemorated somewhere.

Conservative Reaction

Prior to the re-enactment's cancellation Prime Minister Stephen Harper fought with sovereignists accusing them of politicizing the event. He specifically stated this was a battle the Bloc wanted to keep fighting.

He also stated in February 13, Toronto Star article that Canadians were not fighting battles. He stated: “English and French Canadians work together, and we’re going to continue working to keep this country together forever.”

Heritage Minister James Moore told reporters he thought the way the event had been threatened with violence was a real disappointment. He told the Canadian Press: “This re-enactment has been planned for years, and it’s just become a political issue now.”

If rescheduled, the re-enactment will not be held in Québec.

The copyright of the article Historic Battle Re-Enactment Cancelled in Canadian Affairs is owned by Laura Steiner. Permission to republish Historic Battle Re-Enactment Cancelled in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 5+9?

Comments

Apr 27, 2009 2:38 PM

Guest :

The Quebec event may be a no-go but the United Empire Loyalist Heritage Centre and Park in Adolphustown, Ontario will be host to the celebrations surrounding the 225th Anniversary of the Loyalist's Landing in Ontario. There will be close to 400 reenactors on site as well as a full tent settlement and bateaux fleet. Lots of black power and red wool so be sure to bring your chairs and come see the action. See www.uel.ca for full details.

1 Comment: