Exclusion of Chinese Immigrants, 1923–1947 National Historic Event
Vancouver, British Columbia
Men in front of Sam Kee building, 1936
© Vancouver Public Library 17080 | Bibliothèque Publique de Vancouver 17080
Address :
Vancouver, British Columbia
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2023-04-12
Other Name(s):
-
Exclusion of Chinese Immigrants, 1923–1947
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2022-041
Importance:
Period of time when the Chinese Exclusion Act was in effect, efforts of Chinese Canadians to prevent its passage and lobby for less restrictive immigration policies
Plaque(s)
Approved Inscription:
On 1 July 1923, Canada prohibited Chinese immigration. The Chinese Immigration Act, 1923 (Chinese Exclusion Act) was the culmination of anti-Chinese racism and policies, including the head taxes which it replaced. All Chinese persons living in Canada, even those born here, had to register with the government or risk fines, detainment, or deportation. The Act impeded family reunification, community development, social integration, and economic equality. Chinese Canadian men and women successfully challenged this law, leading to its repeal in 1947. Still, their fight to dismantle racist immigration restrictions continued.