Freqently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Chinese migrants come to Canada in spite of the Head Tax fee?
A: Conditions in China were very harsh at the time with population pressures, widespread poverty and political instability. Most immigrants came to Canada to make a better life and send money home to their families.

Q: How many Chinese workers died during the construction of the CPR?
A: Approximately 1500.

Q: When did the government begin granting citizenship to Chinese Canadians?
A: 1947

Q: How much money did the government collect from Head Tax payers in total?
A: About $23 million dollars, which is around $1 billion dollars in today’s currency.

Q: Why did Chinese Canadians work in the service industry for such a long time?
A: Due to systemic barriers and racial discrimination, most Chinese Canadians had virtually no choice but to toil in low-paying service jobs. They were also barred from certain occupations that required one to be a citizen, such as pharmacy, law, teaching and politics. This changed in 1947.

Q: Why is it important to examine this chapter in Chinese Canadian history?
A: It’s important to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes to begin the healing process. It’s also important to understand how a policy like the Chinese Exclusion Act can affect the development of a community for generations.

Q: Are you seeking further financial compensation for Chinese Canadians?
A: The goal of this campaign to educate the Canadian public about the history of Chinese Canadians and create a dialogue in the process.