Photo: screenshot from the official websit of the City of Burnaby

Canadian city of Burnaby, B.C., will formally apologize on November 15, 2025, for its historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent — a move resonating with Chinese netizens. One comment echoed: "Only when the motherland is strong can overseas Chinese truly enjoy respect."

The city said in a news release on Wednesday local time that the apology is part of a set of actions and commitments to representation and inclusion made by the City, following a robust engagement campaign with the community, including representatives from Chinese Canadian families with deep historic connections to Burnaby.  

It noted the decision was made after surveys, dialogue sessions, focus groups and individual interviews. Engagement activities were delivered in Cantonese and Mandarin as well as English, and printed materials were available in English and translated into simplified and traditional Chinese. The findings of this engagement campaign underscored the importance of the city acknowledging the hardships faced by early Chinese settlers and the lasting impact of historical discrimination. 

In addition to the apology, the city commits to increasing the visibility of Chinese Canadian history and culture in public spaces, facilitating activities to preserve and share Chinese Canadian culture and history; and reducing barriers and encouraging inclusion, said the city's press release.

The Canadian Press reported Wednesday, that the city had engaged in its role in discrimination toward people of Chinese descent who lived and worked in the city between 1892 and 1947.

Citing a report by the Community Heritage Commission, which advises council on the city's heritage program, The Canadian Press reported that discriminatory bylaws, trades licenses, and labor regulations were enacted against the Chinese population during that time.

The news report noted that more than one-third of Burnaby's current residents are of Chinese descent, including new immigrants as well as fourth- or fifth-generation Chinese Canadians who have deep roots there.

Chinese netizens welcome the apology. One comment that gained most likes said "Only when the motherland is strong can overseas Chinese descent truly enjoy respect." Another called on the public "not to forget history," noting "countries today should also pursue friendship." Also, one netizen said "to correct mistake is the highest virtue."

The Canadian Press noted that the city has scheduled an event for the formal apology on November 15, joining the provincial and federal governments and two other B.C. cities — Vancouver and New Westminster — that have already apologized for discriminatory practices against the community.

The Prime Minister of Canada formally apologized in the House of Commons in 2006 for policies including charging a head tax for the Chinese to immigrate.

The B.C. government apologized in 2015 for 160 historically racist laws, regulations, and policies that were imposed by past provincial governments that discriminated against people of Chinese descent.

The City of New Westminster issued its formal apology in 2010 and the City of Vancouver said it was sorry in April 2018.

Global Times