Artefact 8; Acknowledgment and Apology: Canada's Formal Redress to Japanese Canadians

Citation: Marsh, James H.. "Japanese Canadian Internment: Prisoners in their own Country." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published February 23, 2012; Last Edited September 17, 2020.

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On September 22, 1988, a historic moment unfolded in the House of Commons as Prime Minister Brian Mulroney issued a formal apology on behalf of the Canadian government for the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II. This apology was not just a symbolic gesture but also marked a significant step towards compensation and acknowledgement, accompanied by the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement.

The agreement acknowledged the injustices and violations of human rights experienced by over 21,000 Japanese Canadians who were forcibly uprooted, dispossessed of their properties, and interned under the policies of the War Measures Act. The redress included individual payments of $21,000 to survivors, a $12 million community fund to aid in rebuilding efforts, and the establishment of a $24 million Canadian Race Relations Foundation to foster human rights initiatives.

This long overdue apology and compensation aimed to rectify the historical wrongs, acknowledging the impact and enduring pain caused by these actions. It also recognized the resilience and loyalty of the Japanese Canadian community, whose members, despite enduring significant hardships, continued to contribute richly to Canadian society. The repeal of the War Measures Act following the redress highlights a commitment to ensure that such injustices would never be repeated, symbolizing a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation.

Bibliography:

[1] University of Toronto Libraries. "Canadian Wrongs: Reconciliation and Redress for Japanese-Canadians." Accessed December 3, 2024. https://exhibits.library.utoronto.ca/exhibits/show/canadianlawandidentity/cdnwrongshome/cdnwrongsjapanesehome/cdnwrongsjapaneseredress.

[2] Marsh, James H.. "Japanese Canadian Internment: Prisoners in their own Country." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published February 23, 2012; Last Edited September 17, 2020.