Canadian city apologizes for decades of anti-Chinese discrimination

The Canadian city of Burnaby has taken a decisive and necessary step toward reconciliation, issuing a formal apology for decades of systemic discrimination against people of Chinese descent. The apology, delivered at a special council meeting on Saturday, provides a significant acknowledgement of the lasting harm caused by racist municipal policies that spanned over fifty years.

Mayor Mike Hurley formally accepted responsibility on behalf of the city for the discriminatory laws and regulations that were in effect between 1892 and 1947. These policies severely restricted the rights and opportunities of Chinese Canadians, including barring them from municipal employment, restricting land ownership, limiting business operations and denying them the right to vote.

In his remarks, Hurley described the goals of the historical injustice as "exclusion."

Commitment to action

The apology was the culmination of a two-year historical review and an extensive community engagement process, which included dialogue events and materials delivered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. To solidify the city's commitment, the council unanimously voted to officially repeal three historical discriminatory bylaws that, though no longer enforced, remained in the books.

"Our actions made life harder for them and for all community members of Chinese descent. For that, we are deeply sorry today," said Hurley, who also recognized the resilience and indispensable contributions of the Chinese Canadian community who persevered despite the barriers imposed by the city. "[They] ran successful businesses, helped to clear land and construct railway lines, and established farms that fed Burnaby and the region."

The city has emphasized that the apology is not a merely symbolic gesture but a firm commitment to concrete action. This commitment includes promoting awareness of Chinese Canadian contributions to Burnaby's history and providing cultural competency training to city staff, ensuring that this dark chapter of the city's past is never repeated.