Today, we remember the Komagata Maru incident in
1914, a defining event in Canadian history.
OTTAWA,
ON, May 23, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, we remember a
defining moment in Canadian history: the arrival of the
steamship Komagata Maru in Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, in 1914.
The Komagata Maru carried 376 Sikh, Muslim and Hindu people of
South Asian descent. Like many immigrants seeking a better life in
Canada, these passengers hoped for
a new beginning for their families. Yet, they were confronted
instead with the discriminatory and racist immigration policies of
the time when authorities denied them entry into the country upon
arrival.
For the following two months, the Komagata Maru remained docked
in the port of Vancouver. While a
few passengers were allowed to enter Canada, the others remained on board,
sometimes deprived of water or food for several days. Despite
numerous protests from the South Asian community in Canada, the ship was forced to return to
India, where many passengers were
regrettably imprisoned and others killed.
This incident remains a dark chapter in Canada's history. Although past harms cannot
be undone, in 2016, Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons
for the Government of Canada's
role in the incident.
Today, by remembering the Komagata Maru incident, we reaffirm
our opposition to racism, discrimination and hate. That is why we
have committed to historic investments of over $200 million towards Canada's anti-racism strategies and
$173 million towards Canada's forthcoming first-ever Action Plan on
Combatting Hate.
As Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with
Disabilities, I invite you to reflect on this period in our history
and to honour the lives of those who were impacted. Together, let's
reaffirm our commitment to making Canada a country where everyone can thrive and
prosper.
SOURCE Canadian Heritage