January 1, 1900

Canada's population in 1900 is predominantly white, English or French. There are really no laws against discrimination, and people could away with publishing statements such as:

"...the Negro is intensely emotional, impulsive, polite, given to begging, has no strict regard for the truth, is generally grateful for past kindness, and is cheerful. When enraged, he does not reason, and is ungovernable."

Delesser, Canadian Magazine, 1900

Immigration from Asia, Africa and many parts of Europe is actively discouraged. There is a tremendous fear that Canada will be overwhelmed by hordes of Asian immigration. As such, Asians are treated with open hostility by the laws and people of Canada. They are viewed as members of an immoral, inferior race, and it is commonly believed that most Chinese men are opium addicts out to seduce white women.

In the 1880's, the Canadian Pacific railway imported 15,000 Chinese men to work on the railway. They were known by the derogatory name of "coolies". Without the help provided by these workers, the "National Dream", the trans-Canada railway, would never have happened.

Chinese women and children are not allowed entry. Chinese men entering Canada for low paying work must each pay a special tax of $50 for the privilege.

There are few Japanese immigrants.

In 1899, a B.C. law prohibiting Chinese immigrants from working in the province's mines was held to be beyond the province's power; not because the law was wrong, but because the power to make it belonged to the federal government.

Homosexuality is not tolerated in turn-of-the-century Canada. In fact, it is illegal. Men convicted of homosexual relations are routinely sentenced to jail. Doctors consider it a sign of mental insanity and often confine homosexuals to asylums.

Popular protests against Chinese immigrants have led to the creation of many laws over the past 20 years restricting Asian immigration, especially in British Columbia. Several of these provincial laws have been struck down as beyond the constitutional jurisdiction of B.C. Fed by the popular hostility against Chinese immigrants, the American-based Anti-Asian Exclusion League has begun to open new branches in Canada.

Marriage between white and black people is taboo. The fear is that the children of such marriages will undermine the genetic superiority of the white race.

In British Columbia, Chinese, Japanese and Aboriginal people are denied the right to vote in provincial elections. This automatically excludes these groups from practicing law or pharmacy, or holding a liquor licence.

There are no laws targeting black Canadians, but in practice they are routinely denied access to services and accommodation. Black immigration from the United States is hindered at every opportunity. In Ontario, the law provides for a separate school system for Blacks.

In a recent court case, a black couple in Montreal successfully sued a theatre that refused to seat them because of their colour. The court determined that the theatre was guilty of breach of contract.

Being a Francophone outside the province of Quebec is not easy. In most regions, the right to use the French language in schools, in the courts and in legislation is suppressed, even though French was recognized in the Constitution.

In 1900, there are about 23,000 Asians in Canada - mostly Chinese people. About 90% live in British Columbia.