Another Canadian city acknowledges the historical wrongs of "discriminating against Chinese people," and will issue a public apology!

The Burnaby City Council in British Columbia (BC) recently passed a resolution to hold an official apology ceremony on November 15, 2025, regarding discriminatory actions taken against local Chinese residents between 1892 and 1947.

This city, where Chinese Canadians make up 30% of the population, will become the third municipal government in BC to publicly apologize for its anti-Chinese history, following Vancouver (apologized in 2018) and New Westminster (apologized in 2010).

According to a report submitted by the Burnaby Community Heritage Committee, during this historical period, the city implemented several discriminatory policies targeting the Chinese community:

· Prohibition on purchasing or leasing land: In 1921, the Burnaby City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to grant municipal authorities the power to prohibit Asians (mainly Chinese) from buying or renting land.

· Restrictions on business licenses: The city imposed restrictions on Chinese applications for and holding of business or industry licenses, such as barber shops and laundries, directly affecting Chinese livelihoods.

· Anti-Chinese labor policies: Burnaby once implemented labor regulations that restricted or prohibited Chinese participation in public works or municipal contract work.

· Support for federal "head tax" policies: The city actively participated in and promoted systematic anti-Chinese policies at both federal and provincial levels, including supporting the Chinese immigration head tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act (implemented in 1923 and repealed in 1947).

The press release noted that, in addition to holding an official apology ceremony, the city also committed to:

· Enhancing public visibility of Chinese Canadian history

· Promoting multicultural activities

· Reducing barriers faced by minority ethnic groups in participating in community life

Mayor Mike Hurley stated: "Although we cannot erase past mistakes, this process points us in the right direction, helping us build a more inclusive and welcoming city for everyone."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834759988114444/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.