The Lunar New Year 2023 marked its beginning on January 22, 2023, and it will end on February 1. It is also called the “Spring Festival.”
Moreover, this year will specifically play a significant role for Chinese Canadians throughout Canada. The Chinese Exclusion Act will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary.
The Lunar Year celebration will occur in Canada in 2023, displaying all Chinese Canadian events and the Chinese Exclusion Art.
The Lunar New Year 2023 is specifically for the Chinese Canadians
Chinese Canadians form the largest ethnic group in Canada. They contribute at least 4.6 percent of the total Canadian population. The data suggest that it was around 1.71 million people in 2021. Overall, several Canadian citizens and permanent residents celebrate this day each year.
Every year Canadian communities conduct a variety of celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year for individuals who attach significance to this day. For instance, Ontario comprises numerous malls and community spaces, and these conducted various events, such as the Lion dance on January 22. Besides this, Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood is Canada’s largest, and it will organize the 48th Chinese New Year parade annually.
Interestingly, per the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is generally known as the Year of the Rabbit. This fact applies to all regions, excluding Vietnam.
Fortunately, 2023 will be an excellent year for individuals belonging to the Chinese Heritage. It is said to be full of hope and symbolizes peace, prosperity, and longevity. Moreover, it is the rabbit’s symbol which indicates all these things. Contrarily, in Vietnam, this year is represented by a cat.
Even though 2023 indicates luck and prosperity, it is essential to perceive Canadian history in terms of the Lunar Year. Furthermore, the history and the Chinese Canadian community don’t indicate celebration.
The historical significance of the Chinese Canadian community
Chinese individuals immigrated to Canada as long ago as the 1700s. Almost 150 years of historical data demonstrate the conflicts that prevailed between Canada and the Chinese community. In 1923, introducing a head tax for individuals of Chinese origin led to a ban on Chinese immigration. This ban was prolonged until twenty years and resulted from the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Notably, the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 required every individual of Chinese origin who wished to immigrate to Canada liable to pay a fee. This fee began at $50 per individual, but later on, it increased to $100 in 1990. Moreover, three years later, the cost increased to $500 again. Nearly more than 81,000 newcomers had to pay this head tax for more than 37 years.
The Canadian immigration ban for Chinese people led to severe consequences for individuals who needed to enter the country. Besides this, it also led to challenges for those already present in Canada.
An official story revealed the situation prevalent in 1940. It is said that the Chinese in British Columbia didn’t have permission to go swimming with the Whites. Even while going to movie halls, they experienced a clear division.
Several Chinese immigrants experienced immense fear as they could undergo deportation at any moment.
However, in 1947, even with the end of the Chinese Exclusion Art, few immigrants could still enter the country. This went on until 1967, and these people got permission to enter here only due to family reunification purposes.
Chinese Canadian Community- the present scenario
The recent 2021 census revealed that people of Chinese origin contribute to below 5 percent of the entire Canadian population. These people fall under the category of Canadian-born Chinese individuals and the Canadian population.
Additionally, after the Canadians of Indian origin, it is the Chinese Canadian Community that forms the Canadians of Asian heritage. It is also the second-largest ethnic group in Canada. Although the historical records suggest a discord between Canadians and the Chinese, the community of Chinese Canadians is significantly rising. Not just this, Chinese Canadians have made vital contributions across Canada.
Some examples of successful Chinese Canadians include names like Adrienne Clarkson (26th Governor General of this country) and Vivienne Poy (the first Canadian with an Asian origin), who became the Senate of Canada.
Smaller examples include a Chinese Canadian in Nova Scotia who operated a small business in the province. He gained recognition for his kindness. On the other hand, Carol Yang, who owned Jay’s Chicken and Pizza, provided 2000 free meals to the local people after the Fiona storm occurred for about two days.
Future aspects
The past mistakes of any country always give us a reason to analyze the need to consider the flaws to avoid any future damage. It is vital to acknowledge the history of racialized groups as it will forever remind us to practice acceptance and inclusion in the country.
Lunar New Year 2023 and its connection with Covid-19
The Lunar New Year 2023 will mark a holiday which will certainly lead to a lot of rush, and this will be a challenge due to the Covid-19 surge in China. However, as a preparatory measure, Canada will be imposing restrictions on incoming travelers arriving from China. Besides this, it will do the same for individuals coming from Macao and Hong Kong. Travelers from these countries must present a negative test result taken two days before their departure for their Canadian flight.
