Protests launched 125 years ago have finally been heard and
answered. Chinese Canadians have welcomed remarks made by Canadian
Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday on the "head tax"
issue.
Harper praised the contribution of Chinese Canadians to Canada
and promised to deal with the "grave injustices" of the past by
apologizing for the head tax that was imposed on Chinese immigrants
decades ago.
Harper made the declaration shortly after Canada's new
Conservative government vowed in a keynote speech on April 4 to
apologize in parliament for the discriminatory head tax.
Prior to 1930, more than 80,000 Chinese immigrants were forced
to pay a head tax ranging from 50 to 500 Canadian dollars.
A formal apology will be given in consultation with the Chinese
community. Compensation is expected to follow the apology.
Harper's Conservative government is sending a strong message of
hope and reconciliation to the Chinese community in Canada.
This will herald the beginning of the settlement of the head tax
issue. An appropriate solution is to give the due respect that the
Chinese Canadians deserve.
This is an action that allows no delay given that all 250
surviving head tax-payers and their spouses are now elderly.
The Chinese were the only victims of the discriminatory tax. In
1923, the tax was replaced by a virtual ban on Chinese immigrants
until 1947.
Some of the immigrants left China willingly, while others were
kidnapped by press-gangs. Called "coolies" from kuli, meaning
"bitter strength" many ended up staying in the foreign land.
As well as seeking gold, Chinese immigrants built the British
Columbia section of the Canadian Pacific Railway, during the
construction of which 700 Chinese died. The 17,000 Chinese who
helped build the railway were paid half as much as white workers.
This was the case for the Chinese in Canada well into the
1930s.
The immigrants struggled through the head tax, the personal
attacks and the job discrimination. Despite the hardships, the
Chinese in Canada persevered. They contributed their labor, their
wisdom and even their lives to the country. The Chinese Canadians
were enlisted in the Canadian army during the two world wars.
Today, Chinese Canadians are an integral part of Canada's
multicultural society, and have forged their own cultural
identity.
The Chinese Canadians have campaigned for years for resolution
on the head tax issue and for justice to be dealt.
Harper's praise for Chinese Canadians making an "extraordinary
impact" on the building of Canada is more than just an extension of
arms to past immigrants and newcomers. The Canadian prime
minister's words are recognition of Chinese immigrants as the
builders of his country.
The nature and extent of redress will be defined in consultation
and negotiation with the head tax families and the broader Chinese
community in Canada.
For those head tax-payers and their families, it is a process
that must happen quickly.
(China Daily April 11, 2006)
