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Canadian gov't makes formal apology for Komagata Maru incident

Xinhua, May 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday delivered a formal statement of apology in the House of Commons here for the Komagata Maru incident that took place more than 100 years ago and resulted the death of scores people.

On May 23, 1914, the Komagata Maru steamship arrived in Vancouver with 376 passengers on board who had hopes for a new life in Canada.

The majority of the passengers -- who were of Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu origin -- were denied entry into Canada due to a law that forbade arrivals in the country who did not make a "continuous journey" from their nation of birth or citizenship.

During their journey back to India, the ship was met by British soldiers. Twenty passengers were killed in an ensuing riot and others were jailed.

In a formal apology, the prime minister emphasized that Canada's rich diversity is a source of strength for the country and reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the values -- including multiculturalism enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Addressing the descendants of those directly affected by the incident, Trudeau said "today - while knowing that no words can fully erase the pain and suffering experienced by the passengers - I offer a sincere apology on behalf of the government for the laws in force at the time that allowed Canada to be indifferent to the plight of the passengers of the Komagata Maru."

"The Komagata Maru incident is a stain on Canada's past. But the history of our country is one in which we constantly challenge ourselves, and each other, to extend our personal definitions of who is a Canadian. We have learned, and will continue to learn, from the mistakes of our past. We must make sure to never repeat them," said the Canadian prime minister.

Opposition leaders at the House of Commons also welcomed the apology and wished to join with the government in offering a deep and sincere commitment to honouring the memories of those who suffered, and to learn the lessons of this tragedy. Endit