“The tragedy of the Komagata Maru marks a dark chapter in Canadian history, one that must be honoured by recognition of the failures of our past. The memory of this unfortunate incident should inspire us to pursue a more equal Canada for future generations,” stated Surrey North MP Jasbir Sandhu.
SURREY – On Friday, May 23 2014, marked the 100 year anniversary of the arrival of the Komagata Maru into Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet and Surrey North MP Jasbir Sandhu has not forgotten the sacrifices those men aboard the doomed ship made.
Sandhu and his NDP colleagues continue to demand that the Canadian Government offer an official apology in Parliament for this tragedy.
On May 6 2014, MP Sandhu presented a statement in the House of Commons to denote the anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy, in hopes that it will finally be appropriately acknowledged by the Government.
“The tragedy of the Komagata Maru marks a dark chapter in Canadian history, one that must be honoured by recognition of the failures of our past. The memory of this unfortunate incident should inspire us to pursue a more equal Canada for future generations,” stated Sandhu.
In 1914, discriminatory Canadian legislation required that a ship arriving in Canada sail directly from its origin. As no vessel could sail from South Asia without stopping, it was clear that the policy was purposely designed by the Government of Canada to stop South Asian immigration. Upon arrival in Vancouver, the 376 passengers aboard the Komagata Maru were prevented from disembarking. They were forced to remain on board for two months, without basic necessities such as food and water, while the ship remained in Burrard Inlet.
“Along with my NDP colleagues, I will continue to pursue a formal official apology on the floor of the House of Commons for this tragedy. An apology is long overdue and a necessary part of the healing and reconciliation process,” said MP Sandhu in his closing remarks.
