Yesterday (October 18), Don Valley North District Councilman Ke Wenbin issued a statement in the Provincial Assembly, calling for the historical achievements of Chinese railway workers to be remembered and to resolutely oppose deep-rooted racism. He said, “While I am working to eliminate anti-Asian racism, it is heard that in celebration of World Architecture Day, my nominated “Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial” (Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial) was successfully elected as an The news of the iconic buildings in Ontario selected by the Ontario Association of Architects has inspired me a lot.”
“Mr. Speaker, 17,000 Chinese railway workers were responsible for the most dangerous construction sites in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is estimated that as many as 4,000 Chinese workers have given their precious lives for this. The Chinese workers sacrificed at the expense. They used their lives to make great sacrifices and contributions to the true unity of Canada’s geography and politics. The completion of the railway had a profound impact on Canada’s subsequent social development and prosperity.”
Mr. Ke also mentioned in the statement: “I sincerely invite the people of Ontario to visit the “Chinese Railway Workers Monument” and browse the website of the Ontario Association of Architects to learn more about the huge contributions made by the Chinese Railway Workers to Canada’s construction. Contributions and sacrifices. Anti-Asian racism is rooted in Canadian history. Only by learning from history can we do better now and in the future.”
Although the Chinese workers have made an indelible contribution to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and made the Canadian territory complete, the Chinese road builders have not been invited to attend the grand ceremony of the “Last Spike” due to racism. The celebration ceremony, and in the same year that the railway was built, Canada passed a “head tax” for new immigrants of Chinese descent. In 1885, it was $50 Canadian dollars. By 1903, it had doubled tenfold to $500 Canadian dollars. In 1923, the “Chinese Exclusion Act” was promulgated, which pushed discrimination to the extreme. It completely prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering Canada. It was the only law in Canadian history that prohibited specific races from entering Canada.
The integration of Chinese into Canada has gone through a difficult and tortuous process. For many years, the “poll tax” and the “Chinese Exclusion Act” have always been pains that the Chinese community cannot heal. The Chinese traditionally have the mentality of accepting and calming things down, but they have been bullied in the end. Feeling the hardships and tribulations faced by Chinese railway workers, we must not allow history to repeat itself.
Fighting is just to eliminate humiliation. It was not until 1947 that the “Chinese Exclusion Act” was repealed. In 2006, the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Hubble made an official apology to Chinese Canadians.
But unfortunately, with the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, criminal behavior targeting Asians has escalated. In response to incidents of hatred of Asians, Councillor Ke has been actively speaking in the provincial assembly. In May, he also proposed “Against discrimination against Asians. “Education Month” private bill.
Only when Chinese Americans unite and speak up for the Asian community can they jointly defend our rights under the law and improve the rights of life, freedom, and personal safety that all Canadians, including the Asian community, should enjoy.
Canada is a country that advocates equality, tolerance, fairness, and justice. The “Poll Tax” and “Chinese Exclusion Act” against Chinese in the past were a shameful page in Canadian history. Chinese Canadians have gone through the arduous efforts of generations to have the hard-won civil rights today. With the spread of anti-Asian sentiment catalyzed by the epidemic and the soaring hate crimes against Asians, Mr. Or has always used every possible opportunity to oppose racial discrimination against Asians. It is based on this consideration that the building nominated by Mr. Ke, the Monument to Chinese Railway Workers, built in 1989, not only cherishes the memory of Chinese workers’ historical achievements in the construction of the Pacific Railway, but also reminds the public to remember the history of Chinese railway workers and promote the history of Chinese workers. inherited. At the same time, it promotes diversity and tolerance, neighbors keep watch, and safeguards the rights and interests of the Chinese. Encourage the Chinese to work hard, be aggressive, and build a beautiful home in Canada with our hands.
Original statement:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As I work to eliminate Anti-Asian Racism, I‘m encouraged that my nomination of the Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial in Toronto was featured by the Ontario Association of Architects as a Queen’s Park Pick in celebration of World Architecture Day.
Speaker, 17,000 Chinese immigrants were assigned the most dangerous tasks when building the Canadian Pacific Railroad. It’s estimated that as many as 4,000 Chinese men gave their lives for a united Canada.
But very unfortunately mr. Speaker, these courageous Chinese workers were subjects of racism instead of recognition for their extraordinary efforts.
Between 1885 and 1923, after the railroad was built and Chinese labour was no longer needed, Canada imposed a Head Tax on Chinese immigrants, for which Prime Minister Stephen Harper publically apologized in 2006.
Speaker, I invite Ontarians to visit the Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial monument and the OAA website to learn about the significant contributions and sacrifices made by the Chinese Railroad Workers.
Speaker, Anti-Asian racism is rooted in our shared Canadian history. The past is a guide to inspire us to do better now and in the future.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.