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Chinese Head Tax
A head tax was charged on Chines immigrants from 1885 to 1923 of $100 later raised to $500 the $1000. This was a result of the Chinese Immigration Act which was the first legislation in Canadian history to deny immigration on the basis of ethnic origin. The tax was removed in 1923 however Chinese immigration was the banned until 1947. Approximately $23 million was paid in tax by around 82 000 Chinese between 1885 and 1923. -
Komagata Maru Incident
On May 23, 1914, a ship from Hong Kong carrying 376 passengers, most being immigrants from Punjab, British India, arrived in Canada. The passengers were challenging a Canadian immigration law that prevented Indian immigration to Canada. Only around 20 passengers were granted entry into Canada. The other passengers were sent back to India on the ship and most were killed upon entry back into India, -
Internment of Ukrainian Canadians
As World War I started, the Canadian government aimed to prevent any "enemy aliens" from entering Canada. These were foreign people who were from a country that was not an ally of Canada. The majority of those interned were of Ukrainian descent, targeted because Ukraine was then split between Russia. The Ukrainian were beaten and abused just as both the Japanese and the Italian. -
Internment of Italian Canadians
Italian Canadians were put in concentration camps where they were verbally and physically abused. This happened because war was declared on Canada and Italians were viewed as terrorists. The Canadian government thought the Italians were spies working to gain war strategies from Canada. These Italians tried to flee camps ultimately leading to their death. -
Internment of Japanese Canadians
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and lasting until 1949 , Canadians of Japanese heritage were removed from their homes and businesses and sent to internment camps. The Canadian government took possession of businesses and personal property. In 1949 Japanese Canadians were released from internment camps, as World War II was over, and gained rights such as voting. -
Refugees Being Added as a Immigration Category
First added in 1976 under the Immigration Act. Aimed to fulfill Canada’s obligations with respect to refugees. Defined a refugee and a system for determining who a refugee is. These decisions were made by the Refugee Status Advisory Committee (RSAC). Enabled the private sponsorship of refugees. Revisited and changed in 2001 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. -
Immigration Act of 1976
Gave power to provinces to create their own immigration laws. Defined specific classes of people who were refused entry ex. disabled. Created alternatives to deportation such as a 12 month exclusion order. Created four new classes of immigrants that could enter Canada. Refugees are people escaping persecution or cruel punishment. Economic immigrants are skilled workers and buisnesspeople Family class immigrants are relatives of people living in Canada. Other are people accepted for other reasons -
Introduction of Immigration Catagories
Four classes of immigrants permitted entry into Canada are introduced. Refugees are people escaping persecution or cruel punishment in their home country. Economic immigrants are skilled workers and business people that carry a trade and can be implemented immediately into a job in Canada. Family class immigrants are relatives of people living in Canada. Other are people accepted for other reasons such as a natural disaster. -
Singh Decision
An Indian man named Satnam Singh came to Canada seeking refuge when he was denied under the Immigration Act. He was not allowed to state his case in person which the Supreme court of Canada says violates section 7 of the Charter. So the law was changed so any person seeking refuge in Canada has a right to a hearing. The Immigration and Refugee Board was created for quicker hearings. Canada's Government now has to supply necessities to people seeking refugee status while they wait for a hearing. -
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Passed in 2001 however put into action in 2002. Replaced the Immigration Act of 1976 as the primary federal legislation controlling immigration to Canada. Outlined the classes of immigrants set out in 1976. Aimed to protect bilingualism in Canada, reunite families, and benefit Canada economically. Promoted the integration of immigrants into Canadian society, recognizing the need for mutual obligations fir new immigrants.
