Chinese Head Tax Redress
On June 22, 2006, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Prime Minister apologized in the House of Commons for the Chinese Head Tax, to formally turn the page on an unfortunate period in Canada’s past.
The Government of Canada recognized the stigma and hardship experienced by the Chinese-Canadian community as a result of past legislation related to the imposition of the Chinese Head Tax. Although legally authorized at the time, the Head Tax was inconsistent with the values Canadians hold today.
This apology was not about liability; it was offered as a foundation for healing in the Chinese-Canadian community, which endured such hardship and yet continues to make an invaluable contribution to our great country.
A total of 785 eligible applicants have received symbolic payments of $20,000 each.
Funding for this initiative was available for three years, ending on March 31, 2008. Applications for symbolic payments are no longer being accepted.