Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident

May 22, 2015

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 101st anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident:

“On May 23, 1914, hundreds of passengers aboard the SS Komagata Maru were denied entry into Vancouver upon arrival from Hong Kong. Following a two month standoff with officials, only 24 passengers were allowed to land on Canadian soil, and the remaining travelers were subsequently turned away. This event stands to this day as a tragic example of the exclusionary policies that were once enforced to restrict Asian immigration to Canada.

“Today, we look back on this dark chapter of Canadian history with deep regret and sorrow. The discriminatory laws that once institutionalized prejudice and intolerance stand in stark contrast to the Canada we all so proudly know and love. Today, our great country stands strong because of its rich social diversity and multicultural heritage.

“Let us use this solemn anniversary to reiterate our strong commitment to inclusive immigration, and forever champion a country free from discrimination.”