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Chinese Head Tax
In 1885, Canada enacted the Chinese Immigration Act. The act required the Chinese to pay a head tax. All the immigrants from China had to pay $50 to immigrate. This was of the ways Canada discouraged immigration. -
Komagata Maru Incident
The Komagata Maru was a Japanese ship that sailed from Hong Kong, stopped by various places in Asia and eventually arrived in Vancouver. The ship carried a group citizens from India but was denied its entry by Canada. Although Canada allowed people from India to enter Canada, it was only if it was directly from India. The photo shows people from India protesting Canada's immigration policies. Supporters of the protest challenged the decision in court but unfortunately lost. -
Internment of Ukrainian Canadians
During World War I, Canada was at war with Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Ukraine which fell within enemy territory. This led to the creation of the War Measures Act. Due to the War Measures Act, more than 8000 people who were Ukrainian and German descent were arrested and sent to camps. The government seized their properties and possessions, and forced them into labour without being paid. Even after the war ended and the act no longer in force, Canada required people to stay and keep working. -
Internment of Italian Canadians
In World War II, Italy declared war on Canada. The War Measures Act was in force once again. 700 men were arrested, but some families had to follow the men into camps. The government seized the properties of some of those who were arrested. During this time, Italians were labelled as "aliens". -
Internment of Japanese Canadians
In 1941, during World War II, Japan attacked Pearl Harbour. Canadians with Japanese descent were subjected to racism and hate. As a result of the War Measures Act, 20,000 Japanese men, women and children were forced to leave away from the west coast and head inland. They only brought possessions that they can carry. The government promised to protect their properties but later sold it off instead. -
Creation of Immigration Categories
There are three main categories and it involves Refugees, Family Class, and Economic Immigrants. Refugees are the people who are escaping from harm but also the best and skilled refugees. Family class are the family of people living in Canada like their spouses, children, and parents to reunite them. Economic immigrants are the best and skilled people to benefit themselves and also benefit the economy of Canada. While there is the others class, who are accepted for humanitarian reasons. -
Immigration Act
The Immigration Act was introduced in 1976 but came into effect in 1978. It states that no person shall be granted admission who is a member of any of the following classes including people who have engaged in... acts of espionage or subversion against democratic government, institutions or processes, as they are understood in Canada. It also includes people who there are reasonable grounds to believe will, while in Canada, engage in or instigate the subversion by force of any government. -
Refugees being added as an Immigration Catergory
Refugees are one of the immigration categories that was established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canada added refugees as a part of its immigration categories in 1976. Refugees are people who are escaping persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual punishment. Canada offered to save and affirm protection to the refugees. -
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms contains everyone living in Canada's rights and freedoms. It is a part of Canada's constitution and all laws must be consistent with it. When the Charter was entrenched, it changed acts and laws concerning immigration. -
Singh Decision
In 1985, there was a Supreme Court decision known as the Singh decision. Satnam Singh was a man from India who came to Canada seeking refugee status. But, under the Immigration Act 1976, Canada's government rejected his case. The Supreme court stated that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was violated. Consequently, people claiming for refugee status in Canada have the right to a hearing in person and Canada created the Immigration and Refugee Board for the hearings. -
Canadian Multiculturalism Act
This act reinforced and expanded the multiculturalism policy Canada created in 1971. It recognizes the diversity of cultural groups to live and be part of Canadian culture. Canada became the first country to pass a national law on multiculturalism. -
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
This act replaced the Immigration Act of 1976 as the primary federal legislation regarding Canadian immigration. It establishes categories of who can come to Canada from countries around the world to reside here in Canada. The act aimed to pursue social, cultural and economic benefits for all Canadians. It also aimed to reunite families in Canada. Furthermore, it aimed to respect the bilingual and multicultural character of Canada and more.
