May 23, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident:

“Today is the one hundred and sixth anniversary of the arrival of the Komagata Maru in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet.
“That same day, the ship carrying nearly four hundred  Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims from Punjab was turned away from our shores, forcing it to return to India.  That decision caused terrible hardship and ended tragically for many passengers.

“Our previous Conservative government officially recognized and apologized for the Komagata Maru incident in 2008.  We also took steps to make sure that its lessons are remembered, including building the first ever museum dedicated to the tragedy that is now housed at the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver, as well as the first public monument in Vancouver’s Harbour Green Park.  While we cannot erase the dark chapters of our history, we can learn from them and commit to doing better.

“Today, Canada is home to well over a million Canadians of South Asian descent.  Canadians of South Asian descent have contributed so much to our country, especially during the current pandemic.
From opening Gurdwara doors and feeding people in need, to delivering food and supplies to seniors, to donating personal protective equipment to hospitals and frontline workers, you have helped your communities.

“Canada’s Conservatives will always stand with the Sikh, Hindu and Muslims communities in building a prosperous and strong Canada.”

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For more information, please contact:

Julie Pham

(613) 947-9932

Julie.Pham@parl.gc.ca

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