Building on prior legislation, the Chinese Exclusion Act was the result of a cumulative effort to halt the growth of Chinese Canadian communities in the 20th century
May 30, 2023 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada
National historic designations are a way to acknowledge and to learn about the full scope of our shared history, including the difficult periods that are part of our past. Understanding the events that have led to the Canada of today helps us reflect on how to build a more inclusive society now and for future generations.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of the Exclusion of Chinese Immigrants as an event of national historic significance under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration.
On July 1, 1923, the Canadian government introduced a new Chinese Immigration Act, commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, to stop Chinese immigration. The Act was the culmination of widespread anti-Chinese racism and policies increasing in Canada since the 19th century. Chinese Canadian men and women and members of organizations, such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Canada, tried to prevent the passage of the Act and afterwards continued to lobby for its repeal.
For almost a quarter of a century, the Chinese Exclusion Act imposed restrictions that negatively impacted families by prohibiting immigrant spouses and children from joining the predominantly male Chinese population in Canada. While the exact number is unknown, Canada allowed entry to fewer than 50 Chinese persons during the 24 years that the Act was in effect.
Significantly, this Act also required all Chinese persons living in Canada, even those born here, to register with the government and to carry certificates with photo identification, or risk fines, detainment, or deportation. This was the only time the federal government imposed such a requirement on a non-Indigenous community during peacetime. The Act was repealed on May 14, 1947.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorates significant persons, places, and events that have shaped Canada. Sharing these stories helps foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.
