Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the 100th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident
May 23, 2014
MONTREAL – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident:
“Today, we solemnly recognize the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident.
“On May 23, 1914, the SS Komagata Maru reached the shores of Vancouver after a month-long voyage from Hong Kong. Aboard were 376 passengers from Punjab, India. After a two month standoff with government officials, only 24 passengers were allowed landing privileges while the remaining 352 were turned away.
“Today, we reflect on this anniversary with great sadness. It was intolerance that turned the SS Komagata Maru away from a country that, today, is home to millions of people who trace their roots to different countries around the world. In the years since this incident, Sikh Canadians have made significant and valuable contributions to Canadian society. Canada is a country made stronger because of our ethnic and cultural differences.
“Today, let us reaffirm to never again tolerate such discrimination, and may we continue to be a modern, model of immigration and inclusion for countries around the world.”