VICTORIA – A number of political leaders including BC Premier John Horgan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition leader Andrew Scheer issued statements on the occasion of the anniversary of the Komagata Maru’s arrival in British Columbia on May 23, 1914:
“Today marks 105 years since the passengers of the Komagata Maru arrived on the shores of British Columbia in the hope of building a better life. Instead, these 340 Sikh, 24 Muslim and 12 Hindu travellers were greeted with discriminatory laws, hatred and injustice,” Horgan said.
“Only a few passengers with residency status were able to disembark. The rest were forced to remain on board in deplorable conditions and under constant pressure to leave Canadian waters. Two months later, the ship was forced to return to India. Upon arrival, 19 people were killed and others were imprisoned.
“The Province of British Columbia formally apologized in the legislature in 2008 for its role in the Komagata Maru episode. This horrific event stands as a reminder to never forget the past and always learn from each other’s stories and history, so this does not happen again.
“For over a century, British Columbia’s history, culture and economy have been enriched by the South Asian community, who have helped build this province. As we reflect on this dark chapter in our history, we resolve to always stand up for human rights, equality and a better, more inclusive B.C,” Horgan concluded
“One-hundred and five years ago today, the Komagata Maru, a ship carrying nearly four hundred Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims of South Asian origin, was turned away from our shores. Forced to return to India, this event has caused terrible hardship for its passengers, ending tragically for many,” said Scheer.
“It was a humbling experience to be a part of the first Government in Canada to officially recognize the Komagata Maru tragedy and apologize for it. It was our previous Conservative government that took a number of steps to address this terrible tragedy and make sure that for generations to come, Canadians will not forget of this dark chapter in our history.
“In addition, we created educational programs, built the first ever public museum dedicated to the tragedy that is now housed at the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver, as well as the first ever public monument in Vancouver’s Harbour Green Park. As a result, in 2014 Canada Post released a special stamp on the hundredth anniversary to further create awareness.
“Today, Canada is home to well over a million Canadians of South Asian descent. Our country has been greatly enriched by the contributions of the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities and we are grateful for the tremendous dedication that they have shown in helping build our country.
“We cannot change events of the past, but we have a duty to learn and remember the dark chapters of our history.
“Canada’s Conservatives will always stand with the Sikh, Hindu and Muslims communities in building a prosperous and strong Canada.”
