December 7, 2016<\/p>\n
Premier Kathleen Wynne
\nConstituency Office
\n795 Eglinton Ave East. Unit 101
\nToronto, Ontario
\nM4G 4E4<\/p>\n
Dear Premier Wynne<\/p>\n
Re: MPP Soo Wong Private Members Bill 79 to proclaim Nanjing Massacre
\nCommemorative Day<\/p>\n
As the only organization representing 17 member associations across Canada (4 in Ontario), the National Association of Japanese Canadians wish to register it\u2019s strong opposition to the private members Bill 79. We believe that the primary focus of all Ontarians should be on the improvement of race relations and civil rights within this province and indeed Canada.<\/p>\n
The NAJC believes in a \u201cstrong, unified community founded on diversity and committed to human rights for all for the enrichment of Canada.\u201d This Bill is divisive and is opposed to our vision of a better country. We raise the following for your consideration:<\/p>\n
September 22, 1988 saw the successful redress settlement between the NAJC and the Government of Canada. There were those, such as the Royal Canadian Legion (Ontario Command), that opposed Japanese Canadian redress because they could not differentiate Japanese Canadians and the Japanese who carried out military operations in Asia. Similarly we believe that the passage of Bill 79 will create \u201cguilt by association\u201d and anger will be directed towards the Japanese Canadian community.<\/p>\n
Canada has welcomed Over 37,000 Syrian refugees – many to this province. The clear message of Bill 79 is that Canada will not be a safe sanctuary from the ethnic and religious conflict that forced their exile.<\/p>\n
On the anniversary of Pearl Harbour on December 7th<\/sup>, there are reports of our children being bullied on that \u201cDay of Infamy\u201d. We do not need a special Day to have our children victimized again.<\/p>\n The NAJC requests your support in ensuring that Bill 79 does not pass in the Ontario Legislature.<\/p>\n Respectfully submitted<\/p>\n David R. Mitsui
\nPresident
\nNational Association of Japanese Canadians<\/p>\n