Canada: A Country of Pain and Promise

For all of Canada’s history, immigrants have been the heart of this multicultural nation, bringing their vibrant culture and traditional knowledge with them as they arrived. Two such immigrant groups were the Chinese in the late 19th century and the Ukrainians in 20th century. The influx of Chinese immigrants during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway led to an upsurge of racial discrimination against the Chinese, which was elevated through the Chinese Head Tax in 1885, while the Ukrainians were enlisted as “enemy aliens” by the Canadian government during the First World War and sent to internment camps. The sole purpose of these two diverse groups was to fulfil the needs of the Canadian government - however, despite the pain and prejudice they suffered to meet this expectation, these immigrants had everlasting impacts on their communities and this country. 
 
Canada: A Country of Pain and Promise

Sanya Grover

Grade 10

Southridge School
Surrey, British Columbia

I find immigration an interesting topic. It is is intriguing to explore the groups that came to Canada and how they were treated.

Related Essays

  • Chinese Versus British Immigration To Canada

    Chinese Versus British Immigration To Canada

    Nicole Moore

    Ottawa, Ontario

    My favourite part of history is the part that is happening right now, the part that this generation has the power to change.

  • The Prospect of Immigration

    The Prospect of Immigration

    Denis Motruk

    Winnipeg, Manitoba

    I chose this question because immigration is more than just people moving to a new country. Immigrants can completely transform a country.

 
View all essays