Ottawa, 24 June 2023 (TDI): Yesterday, thousands of Chinese Canadians went to Parliament Hill to show unity again racism and engage in a thoughtful reflection on the Chinese Immigration Act (1923).
In 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act, also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, was introduced by the Canadian government with the intent to stop Chinese Immigration in Canada, excluding merchants, teachers, travelers, and students, etc.
The event was marked by vibrant and diverse Chinese cultural performances, including dance, music, and the traditional lion dance, which captivated the attendees. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of community.
In a letter read out at the event, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted the importance of fighting anti-Asian racism, hate and violence and emphasized the need for equality for Chinese communities in Canada.
He said, “Chinese communities in Canada deserved better, and still do, which is why we must continue to fight anti-Asian racism, violence, and hate.” Trudeau further reflected upon the valuable contributions made by Canadians of Chinese descent to the nation’s history, identity, and prosperity.
On the flip side, Senator Yuen Pau Woo from British Columbia called for collective action stressing, “Today is a day of voice where we will speak out that exclusion can never happen again …
We have to take action to make sure that Chinese Canadians, Asian Canadians, all minority Canadians are not subject to any modern form of exclusion, and we have to work together to make that happen.”
Also read: Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations
Finally, attendees at the event concluded with a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity, fighting racism, and building a society that values diversity and equal treatment for everyone.
