2023 Letter from Chinese-Canadian
Community to La Presse
More than 200 years ago, the first immigrants of Chinese origin settled in Canada.
There followed a first wave of immigration which began in 1858. It continued with the gold
rush then, from 1881 to 1885, with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway which,
given the deplorable work conditions, caused the death of hundreds of them. Over the years,
we have worked hard to carve out a place for ourselves in a country that was not always
welcoming to immigrants. Let us think in particular of the head tax imposed on immigrants of
Chinese origin from 1885 as well as the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, two
initiatives which helped to restrict Chinese immigration for more than 60 years. Moreover, in
2006, the Chinese community accepted a long-awaited apology from the Canadian
government. We believe that these events should never have happened and should certainly
not happen again.
We came to Canada in search of a better life and to help build a country with an
exemplary democracy, a country where everyone benefits from the fundamental rights found
in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Today, the Chinese community represents one of the largest ethnic groups in Canada.
Together with all our fellow citizens, we are proud of what we have accomplished. We are
also proud of our contribution. Let us think in particular of Adrienne Clarkson, Patrick Chan,
Margaret Gee, Norman L. Kwong, former senator Vivienne Poy and several others. These
people are all part of our history.
A Feeling that Crumbles
Until recently, we had the feeling of living in harmony in Canada. Unfortunately, this
feeling is crumbling. Indeed, in recent years, the social pressure exerted on members of our
community has been such that it is difficult to remain indifferent to it. It seems to us that the
differences and tensions that exist between the government of Canada and that of China are
now having direct repercussions on our community. It may have started with the U.S.
extradition request for Meng Wanzhou and the arrest of the two Michaels in China. There has
also been the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the so-called "spy balloons,"
allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections and allegations of Chinese police
stations, illegal immigrants who are currently the subject of investigations by the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Moreover, this gives rise to numerous interrogations
among members of the Chinese community, largely because of their ethnic origin.
If we add to these events sometimes sensationalist and biased media coverage, it becomes
easy to understand the discomfort and fear experienced by Canadians of Chinese origin.
Across Canada, these events have drastically changed the social environment in which we live
and the perception of fellow citizens towards us. In our opinion, this situation puts a strain on
the fundamental values that make Canada an exceptional country. Certainly, we support and
encourage the work of the media and the authorities responsible for enforcing our laws.
However, in doing so, let us avoid pointing the finger at an entire community and its
members, which leads to stigmatization and great discrimination.
Like all Canadians, we believe that our institutions represent an essential component of
our democracy. We support every initiative aimed at making them stronger. As read in the
opinion article entitled "Why I blew the whistle on Chinese interference on Canada's
election," written by a national security official and published in the Globe & Mail
on March 17, 2023: "That being said, we must recognize that this is not a partisan
issue. Or a question regarding China. Your fellow progressive Canadians, your fellow
conservative Canadians and your fellow Canadians of Chinese origin are, above all,
Canadians. As we continue this conversation, we must resist the impulse to simplify this
challenge to a question of "us versus them." We must recognize that protecting our civic
values should not and cannot make us abandon our commitment to diversity and
multiculturalism. We must come together as a national community and ask ourselves how we
can do better – this time, the next time, and in every opportunity after that."
This is precisely what we believe in and what we hope for from our country. In the past
we have lived in fear. Today, let's not allow this to happen again!
Below is the list of co-signatories to the above letter:
Greater Montreal Chinese Community Development Committee;
Toronto Fuqing Chamber of Commerce;
CTCCO; Fengye Art Culture Center;
Canadian Alliance for the Peaceful Reunification of China;
Canadian Federation of Fujian Associations;
Association of Guangxi Origins in Canada;
Federation of Overseas Chinese Organizations in Canada;
Federation of Canadian Chinese Schools;
Canadian Anhui Merchants Association; Canadian Science & Technology & Culture
Commerce Association;
Canada Quebec Sichuan Chamber of Commerce;
Canada Quebec of Sichuan Association; Chao Chow Association of Quebec/Association
Chao Chow du Québec ;
Cambodia Chinese Association of Quebec (Canada)/Association des Chinois du Cambodge
au Québec (Canada);
Montreal Chinese Community United Center/MCCUC;
Canadian Alliance for the Peaceful Reunification of China (Montreal Chapter);
Phoenix School of the Arts;
Canadian Hokkien General Chamber of Commerce;
TAC College;
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Shandong;
Canada Yunnan Association;
Chinese Culture and Arts Association of Canada;
Canada China Agriculture Association Inc. (Saskatchewan);
CCFPA;
Canada China Cultural Exchange Association Inc. (Saskatchewan);
Jiuding Club;
Anhui Association of Quebec;
Association of Pekingese of Quebec;
Fujian Dragon Boat Club;
Quebec Grace Multicultural Association;
Henan Chamber of Commerce in Canada;
Henan City Association of Quebec; Hubei Association of Quebec;
Alliance of Quebec Chinese Associations;
Quebec Shandong Association;
Shanxi Association of Quebec;
Tianjin Association of Quebec;
Quebec Yunnan Chamber of Commerce;
Quebec Taishan Ningyang Association + Eagle Sports Club;
Montreal Chin Wing Chun Tong Association;
Montreal Gee How Tong Association;
The Phoenix Artistic Troupe;
Hainanese Association of Montreal;
Hua Du Association of Montreal;
Montreal Chinese Chamber of Commerce;
Montreal Chinese Culture and Arts Foundation (MCCAF);
Chinese-Canadian Chamber of Commerce;
CCSTA
(Apr 28, 2023) Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
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