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The Chinese coming to Canada had to pay an entry fee of $50. In 1900, it was increased to $100. In 1903, it was increased again to $500. This caused a drop in Chinese migrants. However, soon after Chinese immigration continued. Cause of apology
Continuity to the Chinese Exclusion Act -
The Chinese settled in urban areas, or Chinatowns where they could get away from racism and hostility. These where places where they could live, and set up businesses. This was also due to the restrictions on Chinese people buying property. They were limited to the Chinatown area until the 1930s. This was important in the development of the Chinese in Canada.
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Immigration was based on ethnic origin, but only the Chinese were excluded completely. This Act halted Chinese immigration and had major impacts on family life, community growth, and their ability to earn money. Anyone of Chinese descent was also required to register for an identity card or be faced with imprisonment or a fine. During this period fewer than 50 Chinese immigrants were allowed entry. This is important in understanding the racism in "White Canada." Cause of impacts on Chinatowns
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The war provided the Chinese a chance to prove they were loyal and patriotic to Canada by serving. They were also hoping to gain the right to vote and full-citizenship. However, the Chinese were not allowed to serve until 1944. Even then, many weren't accepted or were never called to active duty. This changed when they were needed to be sent behind enemy lines in Force 136. This was important for Chinese equality efforts. Cause of the right to vote, citizenship, and the repeal of Exclusion Act
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The Chinese Exclusion Act had halved the population of Vancouver's Chinatown by 1941. This led to the demolition of many buildings and alleys for new housing. The Act also split up families for years and made it harder to support them from overseas. Community growth was also slowed considerably, due to the overwhelming population of bachelors and lowered immigration rates. This is important in understanding the far-reaching effects of the Exclusion Act. Consequence of the Exclusion Act.
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Canada signed the United Nations' Charter which was determined to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights. Article 1-3: To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.This was important for removing discriminatory policies. Cause of repeal of Exclusion Act
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The hostilities were lessened and the Act was repealed. This was in part due to Chinese contributions in World War Two: military service, fundraising, and Victory Loan drives. Another factor was the signing of the United Nations' Charter, regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race. This is an important event for the reunions of families, and growth of communities. Consequence of the UN Charter and World War Two
Change due to the UN Charter and World War Two -
The Chinese had proved themselves in war and had got the vote as well as the same rights of citizenship as other Canadians. This is an important turning point in Chinese-Canadian history and rights. Consequence of World War Two and United Nations' Charter
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This new Act allowed governor-in-council to make regulations that prohibited immigrants based on their nationality, ethnicity, occupation, peculiar customs, unsuitability to the Canadian climate and probable inability to assimilate. While it is not explicitly stated, it is still discriminatory against non-European and non-American immigrants. This is important in understanding the racism still present in Canada. Continuity of discriminatory policy due to the repeal of Exclusion Act
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Douglas Jung was a member of Force 136 in World War Two. After the war ended, he was able to become a full-citizen and practice law. He became the first Chinese Canadian lawyer to appear before the BC Court of Appeal. He also became the first Chinese Canadian member of Parliament. Jung consistently served both non-Chinese and Chinese communities and interests. This was an important turning point, Chinese Canadians now had representation in the government.
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This was the first federal law to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is important in understanding the changes in views and the effect this had on Canada's discriminatory policies. Cause of the 1962 immigration regulations
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Ellen Fairclough, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced immigration regulations that got rid of racial discrimination from Canadian policy. After the introduction of the Bill of Rights, selection of immigrants based on ethnicity and national origin was unjustifiable. These stated that immigrants would be assessed on their education, training, skills or other special qualifications. This was an important step for a more objective policy. Consequence of the Bill of Rights
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The government wanted to get rid of the remaining elements of discrimination and reduce the power of immigration officials. A points system was implement based on the recommendations of a task force. This system assigns points to nine categories: and individuals who got 50 out of 100 would be admitted. This made the process more objective, therefore less discriminatory.
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PM Pierre Trudeau announced multiculturalism as an official policy, to preserve cultural freedom and recognize the cultural contributions to Canadian society. This policy hoped to increase respect for different cultures, and grant groups the right to preserve and develop their own cultures in Canadian society. This was mostly symbolic and political as few resources were being put towards initiatives. This is important in understanding Canada's changing views on different cultures.
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Parliament passed a motion recognizing the Chinese railway workers for their contributions. This was important in the acknowledgement of the impact the Chinese had in Canada.
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There were investments from Hong Kong for the beautification and cultural-marking projects. Bilingual street signs, Chinese lamp posts, refurbishing, gardens, and the Expo 86 arch were all mounted. This was an important marker of change. There was now attention to culture preservation.
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The Charter was enshrined in the Constitution, making it the highest law in the land. This guaranteed the rights of everyone and expanded the rights of minorities. This was important as it guaranteed the rights to Chinese-Canadians (as well as everyone else).
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This Act was created when the policy was no longer adequate. It acknowledged the role multiculturalism has in shaping Canada and states that all individuals have the right to preserve and share their cultural heritage while still being able to participate in Canadian society. The act hoped to remove societal participation barriers and aid in eliminating and overcoming discrimination. This was important because it encouraged interaction between cultures. Continuity from Multiculturalism policy
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Hong Kong was under lease to Britain from the Opium Wars and the Treaty of Nanking. This meant that there were two different governmental systems, democracy and communism. Hong Kong residents were fearful of the handover and what it would do to their democracy and freedom. This led many to emigrate to Canada, causing a spike in the Chinese population. This was an important event that grew Chinatown and showed Canada's acceptance.
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There were protests and demonstrations across the nation calling for an apology on the head tax and exclusion of Chinese immigrants. Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an apology and compensation. This is important as it recognized the injustices the Chinese had to face. Consequence of the Head Tax
