Acknowledgment of Internment and Japanese Canadian Legacies in BC
Although today, British Columbians are committed to a fair and just society, we recognize that has not always been the case and that as a result, many members of our Province have lived diminished lives.
Before, during and after World War II, the Provincial Government advocated for the removal of nearly 22,000 Japanese Canadians from the West Coast, as well as their internment in the province's Interior years after the War's end; pushed for the confiscation and forced sale of their property; and held weekly auctions of Japanese Canadians' belongings.
After the war ended in 1945, Japanese Canadians were prevented from returning to the Coast and instead were ordered to move east of the Rockies or deported to war-torn Japan. When the community was allowed to return to the coast, in 1949, it had nothing to return to.
Japanese Canadians suffered irreparable social, economic, and psychological harm at the hands of the British Columbia government. The government stripped them of their homes, businesses, farms, boats, pets, friendships, and belongings; entire livelihoods were taken, and entire communities vanished. But more than that, it took away an entire community's freedom, security, basic dignity, and sense of home and identity.
This is not a proud history. And so, today, on behalf of the Government of British Columbia, we acknowledge the past injustices that were committed and recognize with thanks, the contributions that Japanese Canadians have made to the building of this Province. Today, we are further building on that apology by making an historic investment honouring the Japanese Canadian community with lasting recognition of the traumatic internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
The Government of British Columbia is contributing $100 million in funding to support the legacy initiatives recommended by the National Association of Japanese Canadians, in conjunction with Japanese Canadian communities in B.C. The initiatives are: Monument; Education; Senior Health and Wellness; Community and Culture; Heritage Restoration; and Anti-racism.
The Government of British Columbia acknowledges the hardships and trauma people suffered because of government inaction and action before, during and after the war. We know that healing the wounds of the past is a long process. Across government and together with our partners, we are focused on honouring the diversity and contributions of all communities to the B.C. that we live in today. It is more important than ever that we learn from the mistakes of the past and acknowledge historical injustices. And to not let any power or persuasion deter us for standing up for our fellow citizens and protecting the human rights we hold dear.
