Canada to 1919:Canada to 1919:Immigration and RacismImmigration and Racism

BackgroundBackground

► ► As part of Prime Minister Macdonald’s As part of Prime Minister Macdonald’s National Policy:National Policy:he built the CPR he built the CPR he encouraged industrialization in the east he encouraged industrialization in the east settlement of the west settlement of the west

► ► between 1896 to 1913 the greatest wave of immigration between 1896 to 1913 the greatest wave of immigration to Canada occurred: 3 million peopleto Canada occurred: 3 million people

““Last Best WestLast Best West”” Beginning in 1896 Clifford Sifton Beginning in 1896 Clifford Sifton

(minister of the interior in (minister of the interior in Laurier’s government) launched Laurier’s government) launched an aggressive campaign to an aggressive campaign to encourage immigration to encourage immigration to Canada. Canada.

Sifton’s Immigration Policy Sifton’s Immigration Policy ContinuedContinued

Each white European immigrant family was offered 160 Each white European immigrant family was offered 160 acres of free land. acres of free land.

Sifton sought immigrants from across the U.S., Britain Sifton sought immigrants from across the U.S., Britain and Europe – these were most desirable.and Europe – these were most desirable.

His efforts attracted large numbers of European farmers His efforts attracted large numbers of European farmers including Ukrainians, Scandinavians, Poles, Germans including Ukrainians, Scandinavians, Poles, Germans and Dutchand Dutch

Sifton’s policy excluded: Africans, Jews, Asians, East Sifton’s policy excluded: Africans, Jews, Asians, East Indians and Southern Europeans. It was thought that Indians and Southern Europeans. It was thought that they would not make good farmers or be easily they would not make good farmers or be easily assimilated into white, protestant cultureassimilated into white, protestant culture

Between 1891 and 1911 more than 2 million immigrants Between 1891 and 1911 more than 2 million immigrants came to Canada.came to Canada.

In 1905 the growing population led to the creation of 2 In 1905 the growing population led to the creation of 2 new provinces: Saskatchewan and Alberta. new provinces: Saskatchewan and Alberta.

By 1911 over 80% of people in the Western provinces By 1911 over 80% of people in the Western provinces had been born outside of Canada. had been born outside of Canada.

Push and Pull FactorsPush and Pull Factors

Asian ImmigrantsAsian Immigrants

Not everyone was welcome Not everyone was welcome ““B.C. must remain a white manB.C. must remain a white man’’s s country!country!””

Canadian Society:Canadian Society: Feared outsidersFeared outsiders““EthnocentricEthnocentric”” believing one culture is believing one culture is superior to anothersuperior to another

The response of Canada to ImmigrationThe response of Canada to Immigration(race related policies)(race related policies)

Many Canadians in the early part of the 20Many Canadians in the early part of the 20thth Century Century were racist. Canada’s early response to immigration were racist. Canada’s early response to immigration reflects this both in government policy and in the reflects this both in government policy and in the response of Canadian citizens to the immigration of response of Canadian citizens to the immigration of racial minorities.racial minorities.

Canada encouraged Chinese immigration because of Canada encouraged Chinese immigration because of the construction of the trans-continental railway, and a the construction of the trans-continental railway, and a need for cheap labor. need for cheap labor.

Once the railway was finished the white Canadians felt a Once the railway was finished the white Canadians felt a need to limit and eventually abolish all Asian immigration need to limit and eventually abolish all Asian immigration to Canada. to Canada.

Racist groups begin to form in Canada, including; the Racist groups begin to form in Canada, including; the Anti-Asiatic league, which urged the government to end Anti-Asiatic league, which urged the government to end Asian immigration completely Asian immigration completely

Vancouver Riot against Asian against Asian immigrationimmigration

(Sept. 7, 1907) Summary Crowd gathers outside Vancouver’s City Hall, protesting

Asian immigration They are concerned that Asian newcomers will take jobs

from local residents (thought that Asians would work for (thought that Asians would work for less money) and that Asian businesses could soon control less money) and that Asian businesses could soon control the economythe economy

Several hundred people start attacking Japanese and Chinese people and businesses

Finally, after 4 hours, Japanese-Canadians are able to drive the rioters away

In response, the Federal government passes several laws that restrict Asian immigration to BC

The Chinese Head TaxThe Chinese Head Tax►►It was a federal tax imposed on immigrants from China It was a federal tax imposed on immigrants from China between 1885 and 1923 (between 1885 and 1923 (Tax that Chinese immigrants had to pay in order to enter Canada)

►►$50 head tax in 1885 – at the time of the completion of $50 head tax in 1885 – at the time of the completion of the CPRthe CPR

►►The tax increased to $500 in 1903, the price of a The tax increased to $500 in 1903, the price of a house at the time or the equivalent of two years' salary house at the time or the equivalent of two years' salary for a sawmill or Cannery worker.for a sawmill or Cannery worker.

►►It was replaced on July 1, 1923 by the Exclusion Act, It was replaced on July 1, 1923 by the Exclusion Act, which barred all Chinese immigrants from Canada until which barred all Chinese immigrants from Canada until 1947. As the rest of Canada celebrated “Canada Day” 1947. As the rest of Canada celebrated “Canada Day” (July 1), for Chinese Canadians, this day was forever (July 1), for Chinese Canadians, this day was forever known as “Humiliation Day”.known as “Humiliation Day”.

Examples of Canadian responses to immigration: Examples of Canadian responses to immigration: The Komagata MaruThe Komagata Maru

After 7 weeks at sea on May 23, 1914,a ship arrived in After 7 weeks at sea on May 23, 1914,a ship arrived in Vancouver harbour, carrying 376 passengers including Vancouver harbour, carrying 376 passengers including women and children. women and children.

The Sikh passengers wanted to live in Canada, but the ship The Sikh passengers wanted to live in Canada, but the ship was quarantined and the government denied them entry. was quarantined and the government denied them entry.

Immigration officials then served passengers deportation Immigration officials then served passengers deportation papers and ordered the captain to leave. However, the papers and ordered the captain to leave. However, the Sikhs onboard (and those living in Canada) refused to listen. Sikhs onboard (and those living in Canada) refused to listen.

A month went and the ship would not leave. Government A month went and the ship would not leave. Government officials did not allow the steamer to take on food or water; officials did not allow the steamer to take on food or water; no one was allowed to leave the ship.no one was allowed to leave the ship.

Finally, after a failed attempt by a tugboat to force the ship Finally, after a failed attempt by a tugboat to force the ship from Vancouver, the government called on the Navy to from Vancouver, the government called on the Navy to escort the Komagata Maru out of Canadian waters.escort the Komagata Maru out of Canadian waters.

The message from the government was clear: East Indians The message from the government was clear: East Indians were not welcome in Canada, and the government of were not welcome in Canada, and the government of Canada would do its best to keep them out.Canada would do its best to keep them out.

CanadaCanada’’s response to the Holocausts response to the Holocaust

CanadaCanada’’s record for accepting s record for accepting Jews fleeing the Holocaust Jews fleeing the Holocaust was among the worst in the was among the worst in the Western world. Western world.

As Nazi-inspired hatred As Nazi-inspired hatred spread through Europe, many spread through Europe, many Jews tried to head to safety in Jews tried to head to safety in North America. HoweverNorth America. However, , Prime Minister MacKenzie Prime Minister MacKenzie King and Immigration Director King and Immigration Director F.C. Blair kept the number of F.C. Blair kept the number of Jewish refugees small.Jewish refugees small.

> Between the years 1933 > Between the years 1933 and and

1945, less than 5,000 Jews 1945, less than 5,000 Jews were were

accepted into Canada.accepted into Canada.

The SS St LouisThe SS St Louis

In May 1939, 907 Jews left Nazi Germany In May 1939, 907 Jews left Nazi Germany aboard the SS St. Louis to escape Hitler’s aboard the SS St. Louis to escape Hitler’s persecution. They had visas allowing them to persecution. They had visas allowing them to enter Cuba. But when they arrived in Havana enter Cuba. But when they arrived in Havana harbour, Cuba denied the refugees entrance. harbour, Cuba denied the refugees entrance. The St. Louis then headed for America, but was The St. Louis then headed for America, but was turned away and not allowed to enter.turned away and not allowed to enter.

Canada was the last hope for the refugees Canada was the last hope for the refugees aboard that ship, but the Canadian government aboard that ship, but the Canadian government refused them permission to dock when they refused them permission to dock when they appeared of the east coast of Canada.appeared of the east coast of Canada.

Immigration director Fred Blair’s infamous quote, “ None is too many”, pretty much sums up Canada’s acceptance of Jewish refugees during WWII.

The ship was forced to return to Europe, where many of the passengers later died in concentration camps.

Immigration Immigration in Canada in Canada

from 1946-onfrom 1946-on

Immigration after WW2Immigration after WW2

Displaced Persons – Impact on Canada (p.62 in Displaced Persons – Impact on Canada (p.62 in Counterpoints)Counterpoints)

Millions of refugees had no homes after the war – no homes, Millions of refugees had no homes after the war – no homes, possessions, or hope for the futurepossessions, or hope for the future

UN called these refugees UN called these refugees displaced persons displaced persons (DPs) – people forced from (DPs) – people forced from their homelands due to the wartheir homelands due to the war

included included concentration concentration camp camp survivors and survivors and others others uprooted by uprooted by warwar

165,000 165,000 immigrated to immigrated to Canada Canada

Displaced Persons – contDisplaced Persons – cont’’ Challenges for Challenges for

Displaced Persons Displaced Persons (DPs)(DPs)

could not speak could not speak EnglishEnglish

unable to practice their unable to practice their former trades and former trades and professions professions

PositivesPositives Children often Children often

absorbed English absorbed English quickly at schoolquickly at school

often any job opened often any job opened up new opportunitiesup new opportunities

Immigration Act of 1952Immigration Act of 1952 The immigration Act passed in 1952 allowed The immigration Act passed in 1952 allowed

Cabinet to control immigration through ***Cabinet to control immigration through ***Orders-in-Orders-in-councilcouncil, so they could admit, limit or prohibit , so they could admit, limit or prohibit immigration for almost any reason they wanted. This immigration for almost any reason they wanted. This led to a significant amount of racial discrimination led to a significant amount of racial discrimination regarding new immigrants to Canada.regarding new immigrants to Canada.

******Order-in-Council Order-in-Council is an order signed by the Governor General (or is an order signed by the Governor General (or Lieutenant-Governor) on the advice of the prime minister (or Lieutenant-Governor) on the advice of the prime minister (or premier) and Cabinetpremier) and Cabinet

They allow laws and regulations to be passed without a They allow laws and regulations to be passed without a parliamentary vote.parliamentary vote.

They are used for necessary changes in law, and in the case of They are used for necessary changes in law, and in the case of emergencies.emergencies.

Immigration – Changing Policy Immigration – Changing Policy

Public opinion regarding race was soon changing in the mid-50’s Public opinion regarding race was soon changing in the mid-50’s and 1960’s and portions of Canada’s population began to protest and 1960’s and portions of Canada’s population began to protest the discriminatory nature of Canada’s immigration policies. the discriminatory nature of Canada’s immigration policies.

The idea that Canada should be a “cultural mosaic” began to gain The idea that Canada should be a “cultural mosaic” began to gain popularity.popularity.

By the mid-late 1950s – demand for immigrant labour was so high By the mid-late 1950s – demand for immigrant labour was so high that Canadathat Canada’’s doors swung wide open to accept new immigrants s doors swung wide open to accept new immigrants ((““Brawn over brainsBrawn over brains””))

Between 1945-1967 - 2.5 million other immigrants moved to CanadaBetween 1945-1967 - 2.5 million other immigrants moved to Canada often - exhausted by war, looking for a new lifeoften - exhausted by war, looking for a new life most immigrants settled in cities of central Canada (as opposed most immigrants settled in cities of central Canada (as opposed

to immigrants after WWI who settled on farms in Western to immigrants after WWI who settled on farms in Western Canada)Canada)

cultures, viewpoints, hard work enriched Canada in many wayscultures, viewpoints, hard work enriched Canada in many ways older areas of cities – vacated as veterans & families moved to older areas of cities – vacated as veterans & families moved to

the the suburbssuburbs

1960’s1960’s More open attitude towards people of other cultures and More open attitude towards people of other cultures and

countriescountries In 1962, new regulations removed most limits on In 1962, new regulations removed most limits on

immigrants of Asian, African and other originsimmigrants of Asian, African and other origins 1967: “colour-blind” policy1967: “colour-blind” policy

- immigrants were to be chosen by points system - immigrants were to be chosen by points system

based on education and employment prospects. based on education and employment prospects.

National and racial origins were no longer factors.National and racial origins were no longer factors.

1967 - 1967 - The Immigration ActThe Immigration Act removed the racial discrimination found in removed the racial discrimination found in

previous legislationprevious legislation introduced a introduced a ‘‘pointspoints’’ system system’’ for rating applicants for rating applicants

– a system still in use today. – a system still in use today. ((““colour-blindcolour-blind””)) gave preference to immigrants who, among gave preference to immigrants who, among

other things:other things: knew English or Frenchknew English or French were not too old/too young to take regular jobswere not too old/too young to take regular jobs had arranged employment in Canadahad arranged employment in Canada had a relative or family member in Canadahad a relative or family member in Canada had proper education and traininghad proper education and training were immigrating to a region of high employmentwere immigrating to a region of high employment

The Points SystemThe Points System Education: Generally one point for each year of primary Education: Generally one point for each year of primary

and secondary education successfully completedand secondary education successfully completed Vocational training: Points for vocational or on-the-job Vocational training: Points for vocational or on-the-job

training.training. Experience : Points for relevant job experienceExperience : Points for relevant job experience Occupational demand: Points based on the need in Occupational demand: Points based on the need in

Canada for the type of work the applicant is qualified and Canada for the type of work the applicant is qualified and willing to dowilling to do

Arranged employment: Points if the applicant has Arranged employment: Points if the applicant has arranged a job, as long as this employment does not arranged a job, as long as this employment does not take a job away from Canadian workerstake a job away from Canadian workers

Location: Points if the immigrant is willing to move to an Location: Points if the immigrant is willing to move to an area where his or her particular skills are neededarea where his or her particular skills are needed

MulticulturalismMulticulturalism With changes to immigration policy came changes to the With changes to immigration policy came changes to the

composition of Canadian society:composition of Canadian society:

1971 – Trudeau adopted a 1971 – Trudeau adopted a policy of multiculturalismpolicy of multiculturalism

- claimed it would give “vitality” to Canadian society- claimed it would give “vitality” to Canadian society

encouraged ethnic groups to express their cultures and encouraged ethnic groups to express their cultures and values – making “a richer life for us all”values – making “a richer life for us all”

Promotion of MulticulturalismPromotion of Multiculturalism Helped schools set up new coursesHelped schools set up new courses Promoted multicultural eventsPromoted multicultural events Set up a council to study issuesSet up a council to study issues Multiculturalism became law with the Multiculturalism became law with the Multicultural Act of 1988Multicultural Act of 1988

Progress in 1970’sProgress in 1970’s Reduced barriers to immigration Reduced barriers to immigration Trudeau implemented the Trudeau implemented the Citizenship Act of 1976Citizenship Act of 1976, which:, which:

Eliminated gender discriminationEliminated gender discrimination Granted citizenship to children of overseas marriages when Granted citizenship to children of overseas marriages when

mother Canadian (previously only if father Canadian)mother Canadian (previously only if father Canadian) Required adequate knowledge of one of 2 official languages Required adequate knowledge of one of 2 official languages

before could become a citizenbefore could become a citizen

(1978): 3 categories of immigrants created:(1978): 3 categories of immigrants created: Family (relatives sponsor)Family (relatives sponsor) RefugeesRefugees independentsindependents

Progress in 1980’sProgress in 1980’s More allowances for refugees fleeing from More allowances for refugees fleeing from

homelandshomelands During 1980’s immigrants with money and During 1980’s immigrants with money and

business skills were encouraged to come business skills were encouraged to come and create jobs through investmentsand create jobs through investments

In 1980’s Canada was becoming more In 1980’s Canada was becoming more and more multiculturaland more multicultural

increase in immigration from Asian increase in immigration from Asian countriescountries

Immigration in 1990sImmigration in 1990sSome troubles…Some troubles…

By 1999 – more than half of all Canadian immigrants By 1999 – more than half of all Canadian immigrants from Asia and Pacific Regionfrom Asia and Pacific Region

Immigrant poverty – in 2001 – 35% of immigrants lived Immigrant poverty – in 2001 – 35% of immigrants lived below the poverty linebelow the poverty line

Other difficulties: Other difficulties: Mulroney made an error by increasing the immigration rate in the Mulroney made an error by increasing the immigration rate in the

middle of a recession (economic downturn)middle of a recession (economic downturn) Usually – immigration increased when business cycle at its peak Usually – immigration increased when business cycle at its peak

and decreased during recessionsand decreased during recessions Immigrants often forced into poor economic situations that lasted Immigrants often forced into poor economic situations that lasted

longer than recessionlonger than recession Also – difficulty in having foreign credentials and education Also – difficulty in having foreign credentials and education

recognized in Canada – eg. Cab drivers with a PhD recognized in Canada – eg. Cab drivers with a PhD