Ginger Post

As Canada engages the 21st century, the Chinese in Canada have finally emerged from the 19th century notion that they are still the children of Gold Mountain with its attendant artifacts of the Head Tax, exclusion mentality, and an urge to return to the motherland of China. The 2006 census indicated that that there were 1,346,510 people of Chinese ancestry living in Canada. The Chinese are the third largest ethnic group after the English and French.

Complementing the notion of an English Canada and a French Canada, what has transpired during the first decade of the 21st century is the evolution of a dynamic cultural, financial, political, and social entity called Chinese Canada, with a critical mass of more than 1.3 million people, or 4% of the population. It is a significant ethnic community with links to the Chinese Diaspora globally and especially to the economic growth of the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Canadian community, as part of the larger Canadian nation, possesses all the characteristics of English Canada or French Canada: dynamic cultural organizations, financial impact, political acumen, expanded populace, a global reach and social stability.

Moreover, because of the influx of many Chinese from the global Diaspora, community organizations reflecting the Chinese from Cuba, India, Jamaica, Mauritius, Peru, etc. have created a dynamic presence in Canada. Immigrants from the People’s Republic of China have organized into many associations. The most notable is the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada with a membership of more than 10 000. Almost every region has an association and the best known are the Beijing and Shanghai Associations. Professional organizations are gradually replacing the old Guomindang, Freemasons, and Chinese Benevolent Associations.

In the financial area, there is relevant development. According to the Canadian Business ranking of the 100 richest Canadians (2009), the wealthiest Chinese Canadians are Michael Lee-Chin (investments, ranked 28), Brandt Louie (London Drugs and IGA, 33), Richard Li (telecommunication, 53), Tom and Caleb Chan (golf courses, 57), and Victor Li (property, 74).

In addition to its critical population mass and financial clout, Chinese Canada also includes a robust culture, political and civic engagement, and diverse cuisine. These are not a blend of China and Canada. Rather it is wholly Chinese Canadian with its Canadian and Chinese Canadian roots and sensibilities.

Recognizing the continuing importance of Chinese Canada and the Chinese Diaspora in Canadian and global life, the Canadian Encyclopaedia has included a 2010 essay on Chinese Canada. All aspects of Chinese Canada can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0001588