Minister’s statement

The plight of orphans and abandoned children in British cities struck at the conscience of Victorian England. One response was to find homes for them here, in Australia and New Zealand, and in other member states of the British Empire. Starting in 1869 and continuing until the late 1940s, around 100,000 children were brought to Canada by religious and philanthropic organizations. These children were known as the Home Children. Many of them were sent to work as farm labourers or domestic servants. It is estimated that between 3 and 4 million Canadians are directly descended from Home Children who grew up in Canada, married and started families of their own.

Designating 2010 as the Year of the British Home Child recognizes this chapter of Canadian history, honours the determination shown by these child immigrants, and reflects on the tremendous contributions made by former Home Children and their descendants to the building of Canada.

For many children, the move to Canada kept the promise of a better life. However, some Home Children suffered in Canada, because of difficult living conditions, work demands, cruel treatment, and—perhaps, most of all—the absence of the love of a family.

Throughout the Year of the British Home Child, the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to learn more about this period of our history and to appreciate the contribution they and their descendants have made to the building of our country.

Hon. Jason Kenney PC MP
Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism