OTTAWA — Police are investigating after a man was seen committing an obscene act to the National War Memorial.
Officers say bystanders saw the man climb the statue and begin the lewd activity late Sunday night.
A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
The tall granite cenotaph near Parliament Hill features a number of bronze statues and is meant to symbolize the sacrifice of Canadians who have gone to war.
Veteran's Affairs Minister Erin O'Toole issued a brief statement late Monday condemning the act.
"It is disheartening that some people cannot respect the sacredness of the National War Memorial," he said.
"It is encouraging that good citizens in Ottawa called the police when they witnessed this shameful behaviour."