| Connecting
over 25 millions NRIs worldwide |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
 |
Toronto, May 15, 2008 Dr.Ruby Dhalla, M.P. (Brampton-Springdale) Creates History: Komagata Maru Motion Passes Unanimously - forcing the Conservative Government to Apologize to the NRI community OTTAWA- The historic Private Members motion put forward by Brampton-Springdale Member of Parliament Dr. Ruby Dhalla, which asks the Government to apologize to the Indo-Canadian community for the 1914 Komagata Maru tragedy was unanimously passed in the House of Commons at 6:25 pm today. In a surprising move, the Conservative government finally gave its support to the motion and reversed its original opposition to the motion when it was first tabled in the house on April 2, 2008. After extensive community outcry and pressure from MPs, the Government was forced to change its original position. “Mr. Speaker, this is one of those issues where partisanship needs to be put aside” said Dr. Dhalla in her remarks to the House. “It is my hope that regardless of political stripe, all parliamentarians will come together when this motion comes to a vote…and do the right thing.” “I want to commend all Members of the House for standing together to right a historic wrong,” said Dr. Dhalla after the vote. “It is a rare and moving moment when all parties can put aside their partisanship for a greater good. Today is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when we all work together.” In 1914, 376 passengers from India arrived in Vancouver aboard the Komagata Maru streamliner and were denied entry into Canada due to immigration laws that were exclusionary, racist, and discriminatory. After being detained for almost 2 months in conditions of famine and starvation the passengers were ordered to return to India. Except for 24 passengers that were given permission to stay in Canada, the Komagata Maru and its passengers were forced to leave Canadian waters on July 23, 1914. Upon arrival back in India many of these passengers were subsequently killed and imprisoned. The Komagata Maru is one of the greatest injustices and marks one of the most shameful chapters in Canadian history. “These injustices will forever serve as a reminder of the
struggles and challenges that so many immigrants have encountered
in their hope for a better future in Canada. It is time, Mr. Speaker,
for us to move forward. It is time to put closure on this dark chapter
in our nation's history. It is time to begin the process with three
simple words... Dr.RubyDhalla Mr. Speaker, It is for this reason that I stand before the house today to once again ask the Government to apologize to the Indo-Canadian community and others impacted by the 1914 Komagata Maru injustice. The Komagata Maru tragedy occurred at a time our nation had immigration policies which were exclusionary, racist and discriminatory. Policies which served to divide our nation and played on fears. It is these policies which resulted in the Chinese having a head tax imposed, and 900 Jewish people aboard the St. Lewis being turned away and the internment of over 700 men from the Italian community in the second world war. These injustices will forever serve as a reminder of the struggles and challenges that so many immigrants have encountered in their hope for a better future in Canada. We fast forward to 2008 and realize its many of these Canadians from immigrant communities that have succeeded, achieved, prospered and contributed to building a better Canada. Some people including MP's from the Conservative Government have questioned the need for an apology 94 years after the Komagata Maru injustice.....to them I say An apology will never erase the mistakes of the past, neither will it remove the memories, scars and pains of those who suffered. However it is an opportunity - an opportunity for our nation, and for Canadians to correct a wrong, to reflect and to learn from our mistakes. An apology is not about scoring political points but will serve to close a dark chapter in our nation’s history and to mark a new era for our nation. An apology will be an opportunity to educate the young children of this nation of the sacrifices, struggles, and challenges in our journey to being a symbol of hope. An apology will give every child, man, woman and senior in this country the confidence that it doesn't matter if they are rich or poor, Black or White, Italian, Indian or Chinese that if you have a dream you can work to make it a reality. Mr. Speaker this is one of those issues where partisanship needs to be put aside. 6 weeks ago when I brought forward this motion the Government was opposed to this motion. I hope that regardless of political stripe all parliamentarians will come together when this motion comes to a vote, unite and do the right thing and support the motion for the government to apologize. It is an issue of justice, of fairness, and of equality. We are a nation that has been built on the hard work, vision and passion of its immigrants. Giving an apology takes reflection, courage, and strength. We have that in us as a nation and as people. An apology will send the message that we will never go back to the politics of discrimination, racism, and exclusion but we will work together to ensure that every Canadian has the faith, belief and confidence in building our nation as one of hope. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for us to move forward. It is time to put closure on this dark chapter in our nation’s history. It is time to begin the process with three simple words...."We Are Sorry."
|
|
|
| |
|
|
