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| 2005 2004 2003 2002 April 18, 2005 (Toronto) The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) has raised a number of questions on the immigration announcements made today by Immigration Minister Joseph Volpe. “There is a lack of details in these proposals and we fear that the federal government may in fact be entrenching various systemic biases,” Victor Wong, Executive Director of CCNC said today. CCNC seeks clarification from the federal government on the following issues:
The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national
non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and
civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has
27 chapters across Canada. For more information, please contact Victor Wong, CCNC Executive Director at (416) 977-9871.
Communities Reject Flawed Redress Plan Ottawa (21 March 2005): The African Canadian Legal Clinic (ACLC), the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) and the National Anti-Racism Council of Canada (NARCC) are calling on the Government of Canada to develop a meaningful consultation process to engage all communities who suffer from historical injustices with a view to truly redress past wrongs. The 2005 budget announced in February, 2005, proposed a $25 million fund over the next three years to acknowledge past injustices against certain ethno-cultural groups and to educate Canadians on the contributions made by those communities. There are indications that the Government regards this fund as a blanket act of redress towards a number of groups who have been historically wronged by the Government of Canada. "This approach appears to favour expediency over respect for people," said Colleen Hua, President of CCNC. "Our position is that this fund can in no way compensate nor redress the victims of Canada’s Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act. Meaningful redress and resolution requires the active participation of the wronged parties at the negotiation table," added Hua. "African Canadians are not even contemplated by this $25 million fund," said Margaret Parsons, Executive Director of ACLC. "The so-called redress plan conspicuously omits African Canadians and the fact that it was announced during Black History Month made it all the more offensive," said Parsons. CCNC is calling on the Prime Minister, the Honourable Paul Martin, to set up a Table for Reconciliation with the affected head tax payers, their families and representatives. Similarly, ACLC is seeking inclusion of the African Canadian community in discussions and at all stages between the Federal Government and other groups participating in this plan for redress. NARCC regards both the investment of $56 million for “Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism” as well as the $25 million commemorative fund as merely initial first steps towards an ongoing commitment to address systemic racism. "These funds cannot substitute the need for individual redress in the case of the Chinese Head Tax, and for reparations in the case of the African Canadian community," said Avvy Go, Steering Committee member of NARCC. If the Government of Canada is serious about implementing “Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism” then it needs to make right the wrongful acts of racism of its past. CCNC is an advocacy group which has a mandate dating from 1984 to represent head tax payers and their families in their struggle for redress. ACLC is a not-for-profit organization which was established in 1994 to address systemic racism and racial discrimination in Ontario through a test case litigation strategy. NARCC is a national member-driven network that provides a national voice against racism, racialization and all other forms of discrimination in Canada. -30- Contacts :
CCNC Issues Open Letter To Prime Minister On Redress Issue; Calls Community Meetings TORONTO. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC), today released its open letter to Prime Minister Martin expressing "deep disappointment" over the Canadian government's failure to properly redress of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act. "While there is merit in the budget announcement of a fund for "commemorative and educational initiatives", we are alarmed by indications that the Canadian government regards this fund as a blanket act of redress. This approach appears to favour expediency over respect for people," Colleen Hua, National Presdent said today. "Our position is that this fund can in no way compensate nor redress the victims of Canada's Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act." CCNC representatives met with Paul Martin on March 23,
2003 to discuss the impact of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act and
the 20 year campaign of CCNC to seek redress on behalf of some 4000 individuals
and families. "Mr. Last year, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism recommended that the Canadian Government restart consultations with the Chinese community and consider compensation to families who were affected by the head tax. The United Nations advised that the government do this in the same spirit as redress for Japanese Canadians who were interned during World War II. Prime Minister Helen Clarke of New Zealand recently apologized to her country's Chinese community and provided redress for New Zealand's Chinese poll tax. CCNC urged the Prime Minister to set up a Table for Reconciliation for Chinese Redress. "Meaningful redress and resolution requires the active participation of the wronged parties at the negotiation table," Sid Tan, President of the Vancouver Association of Chinese Canadians and descendent of a head tax payer said today. "CCNC has a mandate dating from 1984 to represent head tax payers and their families. The government needs to work harder to finally bring closure to this shameful chapter in Canadian history." CCNC is organizing two community meetings next weekend for the head tax payers and families: 1. In Toronto, on Saturday March 19 at 1:30 pm at the University Settlement House, 23 Grange Road. 2. In Vancouver, on Sunday March 20 at 1:30 pm at Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has 27 chapters across Canada. -30- For further information, please contact: Colleen Hua, President, Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto (416) 977-9871. Yew Lee, Head Tax descendent, Ottawa (819) 827-3357 Sid Tan, President, Vancouver Association of Chinese
Canadians, Vancouver Victor Wong, Executive Director, Chinese Canadian National
Council, Toronto
Right Honourable Paul Martin By fax and email Dear Prime Minister Martin: On behalf of the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC), I am writing to express our deep disappointment with how the Canadian Government continues to avoid the issue of redress of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act. Last week's budget included a fund for "commemorative and educational initiatives". There is merit in this initiative, but we are alarmed by indications that your government regards this fund as a blanket act of redress towards a number of groups who have been historically wronged by the Government of Canada. This approach appears to favour expediency over respect for people. Our position is that this fund can in no way compensate nor redress the victims of Canada's Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act. When CCNC representatives met with you on March 23, 2003 you acknowledged that our constituency of 4,000 head tax payers was a distinct group apart from the broader Chinese Canadian community. Those affected by the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act were objects of government-legislated racism and injustice. You understood that providing government funds for the Chinese community at large did not address the core issue of individual redress. You said that, as prime minister, you intended to act in a significantly different manner than the previous government. You expressed your commitment to bringing resolution to this shameful period of Canadian history while a handful of aging head tax payers and their spouses are still living. You also spoke about your vision of nation building in a culturally rich and diverse Canada where all groups in Canada contribute and share in a sense of belonging. Prime Minister Martin, our sense of belonging and acceptance into the Canadian family is inextricably tied to the resolution of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act. The suggestion that our history can be acknowledged then left behind so that we can focus on the future is not in keeping with the depth of understanding of the issue you have previously demonstrated. Last year, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on
Racism recommended that the Canadian Government restart consultations
with the Chinese community and consider compensation to families who were
affected by the head tax. The United Nations advised that the government
do this in the same spirit as redress for Japanese Canadians who were
interned during World War II. Meaningful redress and resolution requires the active
participation of the wronged parties at the negotiation table. CCNC has
a mandate dating from Yours truly, Colleen Hua
Head Taxpayer Presses Government for Head Tax
Refund: VANCOUVER. In response to today's media briefing by Federal Multiculturalism Minister Raymond Chan, head taxpayer Charlie Quan, says the government is treating surviving head taxpayers and spouses as history. Chan was in Richmond today briefing a predominately Chinese-language media on a budget announcement of $25 million to be spent over next three years for "commemorative and educational initiatives." After paying the $500 head tax (1885-1923) in 1923, Charlie Quan worked as a dishwasher and cook to repay the money. Married in 1929, he was finally united with his wife and children in 1950 after repeal of family-separating Chinese exclusion legislation in 1947. "I would not bother if everyone had to pay the head tax," says Charlie Quan, one of a handful of surviving head taxpayers. "But the head tax and exclusion only applied to the Chinese. That is not fair. The head tax must be refunded where possible to those who paid it." "Head taxpayers and their families must be the primary focus of redress, not community groups," says Sid Tan, president of the Vancouver Association of Chinese Canadians. "For two decades the federal government has ignored the Lo Wah Kiu's (old overseas Chinese) call for justice while there are head taxpayers alive. Is Prime Minister Paul Martin waiting for the heroes and heroines of our community to die before acting?" Federal Multiculturalism Minister Raymond Chan said today the settling of historical injustices is a top priority. Sitting with Minister Chan at the media briefing were representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the National Congress of Chinese Canadians, the Chinese Freemasons and Chinese Benevolent Society of Vancouver. The Chinese Canadian National Council, which has been asked by over 4,000 head taxpayers, spouses and descendants each representing a head tax certificate to act on their behalf, was not invited to the media briefing. Mr. Doudou Diene, United Nations Special Rapporteur to Canada recommended in 2003 that the Canadian Government should restart consultations with members of the Chinese community in Canada to consider the possibility of compensating the persons who paid the head tax or the family members who were affected by the measures. In February, 2004, the New Zealand government announced a NZ$5 million reconciliation package after a two year process of consultation with members of its Chinese community who were affected by a similar, discriminatory "poll tax." Since 1984, Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) has been seeking redress on behalf of the surviving Chinese Head Tax payers and their families who have suffered from decades of discrimination as a result of the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act (www.ccnc.ca/redress). The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has 27 chapters across Canada. -30- For further information, please contact: Victor Wong, Executive Director, Chinese Canadian National
Council,
CCNC Calls 2005 Budget Announcement "Inadequate" TORONTO. As MPs now begin debate on the 2005 federal budget, Chinese Canadians are urging Prime Minister Paul Martin to include an appropriate amount for individual redress of the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act in the government's plan to support Canada's heritage, culture and history. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) today characterized as "inadequate", today's budget announcement of $25 million to be spent over next three years for "commemorative and educational initiatives to highlight the contribution that ethno-cultural groups have made to Canadian society and help build a better understanding among all Canadians." "While we applaud the efforts to highlight the contributions of ethno-cultural communities, the CCNC takes the position that this announcement is inadequate in bringing closure to this longstanding injustice," Colleen Hua, National President of the CCNC said. "We urge Prime Minister Martin and the Canadian government to act decisively and properly recognize the individual suffering caused by the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act. The government must act now so that the few remaining elderly survivors and surviving spouses can see justice and redress in their lifetime." Since 1984, Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) has been seeking redress on behalf of the surviving Chinese Head Tax payers and their families who have suffered from decades of discrimination as a result of the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act (www.ccnc.ca/redress). For two decades, the Federal Government has failed to redress this historical injustice despite the wide and growing recognition and support this issue has received both within Canada and abroad. In February, 2004, the New Zealand government announced a NZ$5 million reconciliation package after a two year process of consultation with members of its Chinese community who were affected by a similar, discriminatory "poll tax." "The government seeks to be a leader in promoting anti-racism but without properly acknowledging and redressing these past injustices, we cannot learn fully from our history." Yew Lee, a descendent of a head tax payer. "The impact of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act on the affected individuals and families was so devastating and by providing individual redress, we will be properly commemorating the past mistakes so that future generations will know of the consequences of racism." The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national
non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and
civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has
27 chapters across Canada. Colleen Hua, President, Chinese Canadian National Council,
Toronto (416) 977-9871. Victor Wong, Executive Director, Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto (416) 977-9871.
CCNC Calls For Amendments to Chinese Head Tax Redress Legislation TORONTO. As Chinese Head Tax redress legislation is
debated in Parliament starting today, Chinese Canadians are urging Prime
Minister Paul Martin to keep the promise he made during the 2004 election
campaign and to immediately redress the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion
Act. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) today reiterated its
position that individual redress for the individuals and families who
suffered under this racist legislation be a cornerstone of any resolution
and urged Parliamentarians to work to further strengthen Bill C-333 (Chinese
Canadian Recognition and Redress Act), a private member's bill introduced
for second reading by Conservative MP, Bev Oda. "The CCNC opposes
Bill C-333 in its current form, specifically its failure to recognize
the individual suffering caused by the racist legislation, but we do appreciate
the effort to bring this issue forward for discussion in Parliament."
Colleen Hua, National President of the CCNC said. "Prime Minister
Martin has repeatedly spoken of his commitment to social justice and inclusion.
Will Prime Minister Martin act now that redress legislation has been introduced
in Parliament?" For two decades, the Federal Government has failed to redress this historical injustice despite the wide and growing recognition and support this issue has received both within Canada and abroad. So far, the NDP and Bloc Quebecois caucuses support individual redress for the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act. "The Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act remains a significant blemish on Canada's human rights record and the Canadian government has so far failed to redress or even acknowledge its impact." Yew Lee, a descendent of a head tax payer. "Redress would send a strong signal on Canada's efforts to be a leader in promoting anti-racism, acceptance and mutual respect. With redress, we will move forward as a modern nation." Redress of anti-Chinese legislation has been realized elsewhere. In February, 2004, the New Zealand government announced a NZ$5 million reconciliation package after a two year process of consultation with members of its Chinese community who were affected by a similar, discriminatory "poll tax." In March 2004, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism called on the Canadian government to enter into consultations with the Chinese Canadian community to provide redress to affected Chinese Head Tax payers and their families. "Equality-seeking groups are supportive of the UN Special Rapporteur's recommendations," Avvy Go, steering committee member of the National Anti-Racism Council of Canada said. "We support the proposed amendments to Bill C-333 and we urge the federal government to be leaders in fighting racism and restoring dignity to the people they have harmed." The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has 27 chapters across Canada. -30-
Community Leaders and Canadians For Equal
Marriage Support Same-Sex Marriage Legislation, Urge Action from MPs While the bill enjoys the support of most Canadians, there is still work to be done. "Canadians from all backgrounds should understand that lesbian and gay relationships deserve equal treatment under the law," Alok Mukherjee, former Acting Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission said. "The rights that are available under the Charter that protect lesbian and gay Canadians also protect all Canadians no matter their background". "The Supreme Court has already rendered a favourable opinion. We have the opportunity to settle this once and for all," Martha McCarthy, a human rights lawyer said. "It is extremely vital that we urge MPs across the country to do the right thing." "There have been decades of debate on this issue already. An overwhelming majority of Canadians support the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and want to move on to other pressing issues," Mehreen Raza, Director of the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians said. "Let's move on, do the right thing and pass this historic and progressive legislation". CCNC has joined national and local coalitions for equal marriage including Canadians for Equal Marriage. Throughout this national debate, CEM has been at the forefront, defending the rights and freedoms afforded to all Canadians. "This is one of those rare moments when human rights legislation is introduced in Parliament," Kristyn Wong-Tam, President of the Chinese Canadian National Council - Toronto Chapter said. "The CCNC urges Parliamentarians to act without further delay and pass this legislation before summer,". CCNC is a national umbrella organization with 27 member chapters across Canada. It was formed in 1980 with the mandate to promote fairness, equity and racial harmony, and to encourage the full participation of all individuals in Canada. CEM is a national coalition of organizations whose memberships comprise millions of Canadians, including the Canadian Association of Social Workers, Canadian Labour Congress, Egale Canada and the Canadian Federation of Students. -30- For further information, please contact:
Eighty-Two Year Old Leads Motorcycle Ride for Redress At eighty-two years of age, Mr. Gim Wong, a World War
II Air Force veteran Canada Day marks a significant anniversary for Chinese
Canadians. It was on Also joining the “ride for redress” will be Jack Munro,
Order of Canada The Ride For Redress departs on July 1, 2004 at 10 am
from the Vancouver The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national
non-profit - 30 - For more information, please contact:
Community-based Report on the Impact of SARS Released Toronto. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) today released a research report on the impact of SARS: Yellow Peril Revisited: Impact of SARS on the Chinese and Southeast Asian Canadian Communities. The report written by Carrianne Leung is available at www.ccnc.ca. The report contains a media analysis by Dr. Jian Guan from University of Windsor and testimony from members of the Chinese and Southeast Asian Canadian communities including workers, small business employers and staff from community agencies. It documents the mental, psychological and emotional impact of the SARS outbreak. The report also documents the community response to the racial profiling of SARS. “In conducting the research for this report, I
was astounded by the wide scope of impact that the SARS crisis had on
our communities. The findings in this report have alerted us to a number
of things. One fact that is clear: racism exists. We see in the data that
racism manifested itself in a number of ways; in subtle everyday ways
like ostracization on the subway, in overt acts of discrimination like
being evicted from an apartment just on the fact that of being Chinese
Canadian. Racism is also supported systemically, as we see how SARS was
linked to Chinese and other Southeast Asian Canadian communities in media
portrayals.” Carrianne Leung, the Project Co-ordinator and Author
of the report, said today at the news conference. “Also, we see
this in the ways that Filipina Live-in Caregivers were dismissed from
their jobs based on employers’ fear that they CCNC is concerned over racialization of the SARS outbreak. “The effects of racism are complex, affecting self-esteem and self-identity leaving a profound impact on people’s sense of belonging and well-being in Canada. The mainstream media should initiate and strengthen measures to reduce racial stereotyping,” Cynthia Pay, CCNC National President said today. “And Governments at all levels should initiate a comprehensive plan of action to fight racism and discrimination in Canada.” The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has 27 chapters across Canada. For more information, please direct your enquiries to: Victor Wong, CCNC Executive Director (416) 977-9871.
Chinese Canadians Seek Anti-Racism Agenda In Party Platforms Toronto. The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) today released the responses from four political parties to its 2004 election questionnaire. CCNC asked the Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Bloc Quebecois Parties to respond to 16 questions pertaining to immigration, settlement, Chinese Head Tax redress, employment equity and diversity, youth, inclusion, anti-racism and human rights. The questionnaire is available in English, French and Chinese at www.ccnc.ca/election. CCNC is concerned over the lack of attention given to anti-racism issues in this federal election campaign. "Racism is a serious problem confronting Canadians," Cynthia Pay, CCNC National President said today at a news conference. "But the political parties in this election have failed to bring forth concrete ideas and plans of action to address racism and exclusion in Canadian society." CCNC is disappointed in the poor answers given to the question of Chinese Head Tax redress. "The political parties have failed to recognize the importance of redressing past historical injustices like the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act," Winxie Tse, chair of the CCNC Redress Committee said today. "The Chinese Canadian community will continue to seek stronger commitments for meaningful redress of this longstanding injustice from the Parties, Party leaders and candidates." Unemployment rates in Canada are now at double-digit levels for youth. "We can already see that two of the main Parties' plans for addressing youth unemployment and rising tuition fees are band-aid solutions at best with the likely result of fewer job opportunities and higher debts for students and youth," Debbie Yam, CCNC Youth executive member said today. CCNC is a member of the National Anti-Racism Council of Canada (NARCC), a network which takes an interest in issues of employment equity, inclusion, and anti-racism and human rights. "The political parties have failed to include racialized communities in this election," Avvy Go said today on behalf of NARCC. "All Parties fail to provide adequate strategies to include the marginalized communities and to seriously address the racial profiling experienced by members of racialized communities today." CCNC has made numerous presentations to Parliament on issues pertaining to immigration and settlement issues. "The political parties do not appear to fully value family reunification and benefits of settlement programs for newcomer communities," Gloria Fung, member of the CCNC Immigration policy committee said today. "One dismal failure is their responses to stable funding for ESL." The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) is a national non-profit organization working to promote social justice, equality and civic participation for all Canadians. CCNC was formed in 1980 and has 27 chapters across Canada. For more information, please direct your enquiries to: Victor Wong, CCNC Executive Director (416) 977-9871.
Asian Canadians For Equal Marriage (ACFEM) Toronto, ON – On Friday June 11, Asian Canadians For Equal Marriage (ACFEM) will be officially launched at City Hall. ACFEM is a coalition of non-partisan, multi-faith organizations and individuals from diverse Asian Canadian communities that actively support human rights and equality including that of same-sex marriage. Many Asian Canadians unequivocally support the political movement for same-sex marriage. It is crucial that their voices be heard in this debate as proponents to this issue of equality and justice for sexual minorities. Here’s what supporters of ACFEM have to say: “My responsibility as an elected official is to
serve all my constituents “From my observations and personal experience, Asian Canadians and other visible minority communities have been misleadingly portrayed as social conservatives on the human rights issue of same-sex marriage,” Avvy Go, a prominent human rights and immigration lawyer. “Having the legal right to marry my life partner
was a positive indication “My daughter is a lesbian and I want her to have
all the rights and What: ACFEM Launch Order of Speakers: Moderator: Kristyn Wong-Tam, Chinese Canadian National Council – Toronto Chapter For more information please contact: |
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