Last week, the B.C. government formally apologized for the more than 100 laws, regulations and policies that discriminated against Chinese-Canadians in this province from 1871 to 1947.
Initially, the B.C. Liberals had plotted to use such an apology to win ethnic votes in the last election, demonstrating not only blatant misuse of government resources but also profound cynicism. Public furor ensued, and the apology was delayed. This time, as a non-partisan affair, it seemed genuine.
Still, how can the B.C. government extol the contributions of Chinese-Canadians and still leave the future of English-language training at risk?
Last year, a disagreement between the federal and provincial governments about the funding structure for language training for immigrants threatened the futures of thousands of new Canadians. Public furor again ensued, and lo and behold, the government found one-time transitional funding, though not enough to keep services at the same level provincewide.
Not good enough. Until the province, which is responsible for education, commits to ongoing and adequate support for language training at all levels, the potential for new Canadians to contribute to society and pursue their dreams is severely restricted.
Cabinet minister Teresa Wat, herself an immigrant to Canada, spoke in the legislature about the importance of “cultural diversity, increased participation and engagement by all.” That the B.C. Liberals can make such proclamations while failing to fund the education that underpins immigrants’ social and personal advancement should make us question not only our government’s ethics, but also its foresight.
Kelly Pitman
Victoria
