Chinese Canadian National Council
Conseil national des canadiens chinois
Suite 507, 302 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2E7 Tel: (416) 977-9871
Fax: (416) 977-1630

Canadian Civic and Political Leaders Joining Call for Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act Redress

For Immediate Release

The Campaign for Redress for the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act is moving full steam ahead despite the recent negative ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada in a class action law suit filed by the head tax payers and their families.

At a press conference on May 9, 2003, the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) will announce the launching of a new Redress Website as well as a new public campaign called "Canadians for Redress". Cynthia Pay, President of CCNC will be joined by Jack Layton, Leader of the Federal NDP Party and June Callwood, renowned writer/journalist and a recipient of Order of Canada, at the press conference.

Mr. Layton and Ms. Callwood are among a group of prominent Canadians who have recently joined the "Canadians for Redress" campaign in an effort to seek redress for the injustices suffered by Chinese immigrants who paid the Head Tax and were then separated from their families for decades as a result of the Exclusion Act.

Other members of the Campaign include Matthew Coon Come, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; and Pat Case, Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation which was founded as a result of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, and who have agreed to play a facilitative role with the various groups seeking some form of redress or apology from the government. Dr. Karen Mock, Executive Director of the Foundation, will also be present at the press conference.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the $500 head tax imposed only on Chinese immigrants from 1885 to 1923. This racist measure was replaced by the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1923 which lasted until 1947. During the 24 years of exclusionary era, fewer than 50 Chinese were allowed to enter Canada. Surviving head tax payers and their families are still awaiting for an apology from the Canadian Government for subjecting them to such racist laws.

Since 1984, CCNC has been lobbying the Government of Canada to redress the Head Tax and Exclusion Act issue. "The idea behind our `Canadians for Redress' Campaign is to show the Canadian Government that there are many well respected Canadians with a strong commitment to human rights principles who support our call for redress. We hope that these high profile Canadians will lend credence to our demand for fair and just compensation for the head tax payers and their families," said Cynthia Pay, President of CCNC.

"Redress of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act appeals to the conscience of the country," said June Callwood, "Canada cannot undo the wrongs of our past, but we certainly can, and should, make amends."

The press conference will take place on May 9, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. at the head office of CCNC, 302 Spadina Avenue, Suite 507, Toronto, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

Cynthia Pay, President, CCNC at
(416) 977-9871 or (416) 531-2411, ext. 228
Avvy Go, Clinic Director,
Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal
Clinic at (416) 971-9674