The 1970’s saw a big change in the political and social scene of the Chinese-Canadians. Canada eliminated all institutionalized racism that existed in that country and began to open political relations once more with mainland China.
The integration of Chinese into this more modern Canada became part of the “brain drain” that occurred with mainland China. Many, well-educated students seeking a better life or further education, arrived in Canada with high hopes and new lives. Canadian colleges were opening their doors to these students by offering scholarships and other incentives to attract this growing number of talent leaving China.
Once the forgotten and tarnished areas of town, Chinatowns throughout Canada are one of the main attractions to each area. They have become a place filled with busting businesses and the growing identity of Chinese-Canadians. Groups, such as the Chinese Canadian National Council, strive to assure this group’s voices are heard within politics and policy makers.
However, all is not a pretty picture in our future. Immigration quotas make it particularly hard when large influxes of Chinese try to make it into the country. In the summer of 1999, a boat traveled from Fujian to British Columbia filled with Chinese lured by the idea of prosperity in a new land. These Chinese were eventually deported, but they are not alone. Several other emigrants have attempted to land on the Canadian shores for many years.
Another large influx of Chinese to this country came as Hong Kong reverted back to China’s control in 1998. Fearing, or perhaps predicting, the change that would occur to this area of China, these more affluent Chinese sought refuge within the borders of this foreign country.
While the world continues to change, so too does the makeup of the Chinese-Canadian community. As the older generation departs, much work is being done to preserve the harsh lessons discrimination that history taught us in Canada. Work is also being done to preserve the contributions of many different generations of Chinese-Canadians to their adopted country.
Only time will tell what lies in store for the Chinese-Canadian community.
Part 1 - Early Chinese-Canadians
Part 2 - 1900's century
