City of New Westminster issues formal apology to Chinese community

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster issued a formal apology for past discriminatory practices towards the Chinese community at a special meeting of City Council today. The apology was the result of a Chinese Reconciliation Process initiated by Council in 2009 and is the first of its kind undertaken by a municipality in Canada.

“The City of New Westminster acknowledges, based on a review of city records covering the period from 1860 to 1926, that it acted in a discriminatory manner towards its Chinese community,” said Mayor Wayne Wright in issuing the formal apology. “The City of New Westminster acknowledges that the Chinese community played an essential role in the development, growth and prosperity of New Westminster.”

Consisting of two distinct phases, the reconciliation process first involved extensive research by city staff, examining the history and experiences of Chinese community members in the City from 1860 to 1926. Second, a consultation process with the Chinese community was conducted, involving approximately 150 people and four Chinese associations representing larger constituencies. Based on the research and consultation, New Westminster City Council endorsed a city staff recommendation on June 28, 2010, which called for a package of steps and actions in support of reconciliation, including a public acknowledgement and formal apology.

“The City of New Westminster formally apologizes to the Chinese community for its past actions which resulted in discrimination and exclusion and it looks forward to working together in the spirit of friendship, community and cooperation to build strong bonds and lasting relations,” concluded Mayor Wright.

The full text of the apology as well as the June 28, 2010 staff report to Council may be found on the City of New Westminster website at www.newwestcity.ca.

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Contact:
John Stark
Social Planner
604-515-3777 or jstark@newwestcity.ca