How Chinese Immigrant Labour shaped past and present

Summary

In this video, Kevin Hicks explores the Passage to Fortune exhibition at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which highlights the harsh and often overlooked history of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Kevin discusses the difficult conditions faced by Chinese laborers during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s, their exploitation, and the discrimination they endured. The video also covers the history of Chinese immigration laws, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the resilience of the Chinese Canadian community. The video concludes by reflecting on their contributions during WWII and the importance of preserving this history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chinese immigrants have been coming to Canada since 1788, starting with 50 artisans brought by a British fur trader to help build an outpost.
• 😀 The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (1881-1884) brought 17,000 Chinese workers to Canada to help build the railway through the Rocky Mountains.
• 😀 The Chinese laborers were crucial to building the Canadian Pacific Railway but faced harsh conditions and were often seen as disposable workers.
• 😀 Around 2,000 Chinese workers died during the railway construction due to dangerous working conditions, including blasting dynamite and moving rubble.
• 😀 After the railway was completed, many Chinese workers were stranded in Canada, as their promise of returning to China was reneged by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• 😀 Facing discrimination and hostility in British Columbia, many Chinese workers migrated east to places like Moose Jaw and Saskatoon to find work and avoid violence.
• 😀 Moose Jaw had one of the largest Chinese communities in Saskatchewan during the early years of Chinese immigration to Canada.
• 😀 Many Chinese laborers were employed in steam laundries, with the harsh working conditions involving long hours, low pay, and dangerous equipment.
• 😀 Chinese workers were forced to pay for agent fees, food, and accommodation, which often took up half of their wages, making it hard to save or improve their living conditions.
• 😀 The exploitation of Chinese workers in Canada is compared to the treatment of poor workers in London’s workhouses, where workers endured overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
• 😀 The Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 imposed a $50 head tax on Chinese immigrants, marking the beginning of institutionalized anti-Chinese racism in Canada, which was later increased to $500 in 1903.
• 😀 The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 effectively banned Chinese immigration to Canada, with fewer than 50 Chinese immigrants entering the country during the 24 years it was enforced, though the Act was repealed in 1947.
• 😀 During World War II, the Chinese community in Canada raised significant funds through war bonds to support the Canadian war effort, which helped shift public opinion about their role as Chinese Canadians.

Q & A

When did Chinese immigrants first come to Canada?

Chinese immigrants first came to Canada in 1788 when a British fur trader brought 50 skilled artisans from China to help build an outpost.

What role did Chinese laborers play in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway?

Chinese laborers played a crucial role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1881 to 1884, with 17,000 workers brought over to build the railway through the Rocky Mountains. They made up about three-quarters of the workforce.

How dangerous was the work for Chinese laborers on the railway?

The work was extremely dangerous. Many Chinese workers died, with estimates of over 2,000 fatalities due to explosions, accidents, and the harsh conditions while blasting rock and moving rubble through the mountains.

Why were Chinese laborers stranded in Canada after the railway was completed?

After the completion of the railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway reneged on their promise to return the workers to China. This left the laborers stranded in Canada, away from their families in China.

Why did many Chinese laborers move east to Moose Jaw?

Many Chinese laborers moved east to Moose Jaw to escape the discrimination and hostility they faced in British Columbia, where the local population rallied against them and referred to them as part of the 'yellow peril.'

What was the living and working situation like for Chinese immigrants in Moose Jaw's laundry?

The Chinese immigrants in Moose Jaw lived in crowded, basic accommodations with poor sanitation, which made it easy for diseases to spread. They worked long hours in a steam laundry under harsh conditions, handling caustic lye soap, dangerous equipment, and the risk of burns from hot irons.

What challenges did Chinese workers face in terms of wages?

Chinese workers had to pay back agent fees for securing jobs, along with paying for their food and accommodation, which took up to 50% of their wages. This left them with little money to save or improve their conditions.

What was the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885, and how did it affect Chinese immigrants?

The Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 imposed a $50 head tax on Chinese immigrants. This was the beginning of a period of institutionalized racism against the Chinese, and the tax was raised several times over the years, making it more difficult for Chinese people to immigrate.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act, and when was it repealed?

The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed on July 1st, 1923, was a law that effectively banned Chinese immigration to Canada. It was a significant form of discrimination and was referred to as Humiliation Day by the Chinese Canadian community. The Act was repealed in 1947.

How did the Chinese community contribute to Canada during World War II?

During World War II, the Chinese community in Canada, including those in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, purchased more war bonds than any other group, significantly contributing to the Canadian war effort.