Wednesday, August 25, 2010

British Columbia apology for Komagata Maru



The exact text of the motion reads:
Province of British Columbia
Official Report of
Debates of the Legislative Assembly
2008 Legislative Session: 4th Session, 38th Parliament, Friday, May 23, 2008
B.C Government, Motion No 62 - Motion of Apology
Komagata Maru: Motion Unanimously Approved
"Be it resolved that this Legislature apologizes for the events of May 23, 1914, when 376 passengers of the Komagata Maru, stationed off the Vancouver harbour, were denied entry by Canada. The House deeply regrets that the passengers who sought refuge in our country and our province were turned away without benefit of the fair and impartial treatment befitting a society where people of all cultures are welcomed and accepted."
Under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell, the province of British Columbia is the first province in Canada to issue an apology for the Komagata Maru events of May 23, 1914 on the 75th anniversary of that May date, the city of Vancouver under his Worship Mayor Gordon Campbell, was the first city in Canada to place a plaque in remembrance of those that were wronged. In 2006, the government issued a statement of regret and this year we were to pass this important motion.

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