POWELL RIVER DAILY NEWS | Originally published April 14, 2015
On April 17th, Canada’s first ever march for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms will launch in Vancouver, BC. The march, sponsored in part by the Vancouver Observer, celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s Charter rights.
Japanese-Canadian internment during World War 11. Labelled “enemy aliens” Japanese-Canadians were forced from their homes and businesses and put into crude construction camps during World War 11. Pic Cred: rightsandfreedomsmarch.com website.
After difficult histories such as residential schools, the Chinese head tax, Japanese internment and Komagata Maru incident, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed equal rights and freedoms for all Canadian citizens, no matter what their colour or background.
But while the Charter gives Canadians equal rights in law, many Canadians still face ongoing discrimination in practice.
The Rights and Freedoms March will celebrate how far Canada has come so far, while recognizing that there’s still much progress to be made.
Organizers draw inspiration from the great civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whose struggle for equality changed the course of history.
Only 24 out of 376 South Asian migrants were admitted entry due to Canadian Exclusion Laws. Pic Cred:rightsandfreedomsmarch.com website.
“In parts of the world where many basic human rights are non-existent, we want to remind people how blessed we are in Canada,” said King Wan, ex-Canadian Force BC Liaison Officer and former Commanding Officer of HMCS Discovery.
The march will help shape a Canadian identity that is genuinely respectful of all its citizens, regardless of background.
Surviving poor conditions, lower pay and dangerous work on the railway was the norm for early Chinese migrants. Pic Cred:rightsandfreedomsmarch.com website.
The march takes place on Friday, April 17th at 9:30 am starting at the Olympic Village SkyTrain Station and walking to David Lam Park.
For more information, see the Rights and Freedoms March website or contact info@rightsandfreedomsmarch.com