Being Chinese in Canada: The Struggle for Identity, Redress and Belonging

by William Ging Wee Dere

After the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1885―construction of the western stretch was largely built by Chinese workers―the Canadian government imposed a punitive head tax to deter Chinese citizens from coming to Canada. The exorbitant tax strongly discouraged those who had already emigrated from sending for wives and children left in China―effectively splintering families. After raising the tax twice, the Canadian government eventually brought in legislation to stop Chinese immigration altogether. The ban was not repealed until 1947. It was not until June 22, 2006, that Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally apologized to the Chinese Canadian community for the Government of Canada’s racist legacy. Until now, little had been written about the events leading up to the apology. William Dere’s  Being Chinese in Canada is the first book to explore the work of the head tax redress movement and to give voice to the generations of Chinese Canadians involved. Dere explores the many obstacles in the Chinese Canadian community’s fight for justice, the lasting effects of state-legislated racism and the unique struggle of being Chinese in Quebec. But  Being Chinese in Canada  is also a personal story. Dere dedicated himself to the head tax redress campaign for over two decades. His grandfather and father each paid the five-hundred-dollar head tax, and the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act separated his family for thirty years. Dere tells of his family members’ experiences; his own political awakenings; the federal government’s offer of partial redress and what it means to move forward―for himself, his children and the community as a whole. Many in multicultural Canada feel the issues of cultural identity and the struggle for belonging. Although  Being Chinese in Canada  is a personal recollection and an exploration of the history and culture of Chinese Canadians, the themes of inclusion and kinship are timely and will resonate with Canadians of all backgrounds.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2019

Reviews

[Amanda Chiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is an exceptional example of historical, personal, and biographical writing all in one. Especially relatable to those of us who have spent a lot of time in Montreal. Tells the very under-discussed story of Chinese-Canadian history.

[Brittanie Lau]

I’ve decided I am not rating this book because I cannot conflate my opinions on this book and its significance as recorded Canadian history.

This book highlights the author’s long and arduous journey in fighting for justice for the Chinese community that has contributed so much in shaping modern Canada. A community that withstood such hardships - from paying the head tax, families being torn apart to working laborious jobs - only to be dismissed by the government again and again.

This book is a detailed walkthrough of the political background of the Chinese community asking for a redress with the Canadian government. The author mentions many important individuals involved in the movement for redress.

You also get a more thorough glimpse of how the Canadian government’s stubborn opinions of addressing the Head Tax imposed on the Chinese community. To the government, the Chinese are retroactively trying to get some free financial gains hidden by the movement for redress. To the community generationally affected by Canada’s decision in viewing the Chinese as profitable labour, they want the simple acknowledgement of how much of a devastating impact the head tax has caused families. You can clearly see that the government is reluctant to provide financial compensation for the money that they profited from the Chinese people in the first place. Even an apology was difficult for the government like wtf???? It took 22 years of the Chinese community relentlessly fighting for a redress. Also, these Chinese people are dually Canadian too! For the government to ignore and dismiss their Canadian citizens… not surprised. The government really be doing harm to POC Canadian citizens just because of I feel, their pride and selfishness to even try making positive changes moving forward.

The Chinese community is a resilient group that have worked hard from the beginning. I admire all the people who have politically contributed in the redress. It really takes a movement of people to make a change and it is truly inspiring to see the perspectives of the leaders who stood up.

The reason why I cannot rate this book is because I was hoping for more of the historic lives of the Chinese who arrived to Canada for a better future. I was really surprised when I was bombarded with a lot of political content.

This doesn’t take away how important the documented history of the redress found in this book. Highly recommend to people interested in learning more about the politics of the Chinese-Canadian community fighting for redress.

A final food for thought: as quoted in the book “Over 99 per cent of Chinese Canadian families who suffered under the Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act were not compensated”

TL;DR: the Canadian government used and profited from the Chinese community in the early 20th century. When Chinese-Canadians rightfully demand for redress, the government will continually refuse unless they have a beneficial reason.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important history for Canadians to learn. At times, the strength of the book’s details could also be a challenge to get through, but I appreciated it all nonetheless as it was the first time being exposed to a lot of this material. It gave me greater depth of understanding of Chinese Canadian history, while highlighting some aspects of diaspora life that I had not been able to articulate for myself. Particularly enjoyed seeing a section on being uniquely Chinese Canadian in the French Canadian context too.

[Soph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good to know what life was like as minority back in the days. Would appreciate more if the author could interview more Chinese immigrants that weren't only working laundromats or weren't only living in the same area.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book on the inherent racism of Chinese Canadians, no different to other forms of racism and all forms still ongoing.

[Katia]

very middling

[Alexa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!! beautifully written, require reading

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although at times this book felt slow in its pacing, the last few pages made me shed tears of joy!