China’s discriminatory exclusion law still hurts 100 years later

Chinese Canadians, allies and supporters in Halifax joined people across Canada on Friday to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, a discriminatory policy that specifically targeted Chinese immigrants and almost completely barred them from entering Canada.

Federal legislation led to the separation of numerous Chinese families.

The national event was streamed live from Senate chambers in Ottawa with local events across the country including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Halifax Central Library.

“I think it is very special for first generation Chinese Canadians like myself to learn more about the history of our ancestors – what challenges they faced and how they fought for their rights so that today we can enjoy a more just environment,” said Christine Qin Yang, Member of the Organizing Committee for the National Memorial Ceremony and Director of the Action Chinese Canadians Together foundation.

The upcoming Canada Day, July 1, marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, more commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The Chinese community calls this day the Day of Humiliation, after which many refused to celebrate Canada Day, attendees were told.

Albert Lee, a Chinese-Canadian photographer, journalist and historian spoke at the Halifax event, explaining how the law has harmed Chinese families over the past century.

For example, Lee’s father arrived in Halifax when he was nine years old. When he was 18, he returned to China to get married, but his wife was not allowed to enter Canada by law.

As a result, Lee’s mother and sister were separated from his father for 15 years, and Lee’s sister did not see her father until the Chinese Exclusion Act was lifted in 1948 when she was 15 years old.

“And they have suffered. They couldn’t buy food,” Lee said, “and you’ll see a lot of the families that came here… have a similar story.

In an interview, Lee also spoke of the anti-Chinese riots in Halifax in 1919, which saw two nights of escalating rioting fueled by discrimination based on the perception of Chinese as a labor threat.

“There are some Chinese restaurants that have had their windows smashed and early laundries discriminated against because they saw them as a threat,” Lee said.

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage’s 100th anniversary proclamation also referenced the anti-Chinese uprising of 1919.

Shelby Kennedy, program and events specialist at the Halifax Central Library, said preparations for the 100th anniversary activities gave her the opportunity to learn more about the Chinese Exclusion Act and the history of the Chinese community in Halifax .

“I really wanted to be able to draw a lot of different materials to make a display. I was surprised to find that we didn’t have as much as I wanted. So I think we have some work to do as a library, as a community,” Kennedy said, “so I’m glad we’re getting the opportunity to host this event and make those connections and learn a little bit more. about our own community.”

Kennedy’s mother is native to the Dakota Territory.

“I find it amazing that we have this bond between the Chinese community and the indigenous community. There are so many interesting shared experiences between these two communities that I think there’s a lot of solidarity there. I hope that a strong bond can develop there in the future,” Kennedy said.

Xixi Jiang is a New Canadian Media correspondent based in Halifax, NS. This story and photo are part of a collaboration between SaltWire and New Canadian Media.