Today in Vancouver, our country’s first-ever Chinese Canadian Museum will open its doors! This is a place where Canadians from coast to coast to coast can gather to learn about the rich heritage, history and countless contributions of Chinese Canadians.

 

While Canada embraces our diverse cultures today, we cannot ignore the hardships faced by Chinese Canadians throughout our history – and the impacts felt by our people.

 

This museum honours the memory of those who suffered discrimination and exclusion at the hands of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was implemented 100 years ago and was repealed after 24 years of tireless advocacy and perseverance from our ancestors. If we are to ensure that history is never repeated, we must learn about it and remember it.