JUNE 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, ON – The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on the 14th anniversary of the Chinese Head Tax Apology:

“Today marks the 14th anniversary of the official apology made by our former Conservative government for the Chinese Head Tax.

“During the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, there was an influx of Chinese immigration to Canada. In 1885, the government imposed a discriminatory ‘head tax’ on all Chinese people coming into the country. This sad injustice was legislated under the Chinese Exclusion Act and lasted until 1947.

“Today, Canada is home to over one million Canadians of Chinese heritage who have made great contributions to all aspects of our society and helped strengthen our country. This anniversary is an opportunity for all Canadians to acknowledge and reflect upon the mistakes in our country’s history in order to forge a more welcoming nation and a land of racial equality. All people around the world and at home deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams regardless of race or ethnicity. Conservatives will always fight to see that right protected.

“On behalf of Canada’s Conservatives, I urge all Canadians to take this opportunity to reflect on the important contributions made by Canadians of Chinese heritage to our great country.”

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For more information, please contact:

Julie Pham

(613) 947-9932

Julie.Pham@parl.gc.ca

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