The City of Burnaby has formally apologized for historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent, acknowledging more than 50 years of racist municipal policies that restricted voting rights, land ownership, employment and business opportunities.

The apology was delivered during a special meeting of council on Saturday, accompanied by a vote to repeal three discriminatory bylaws that had remained on the books despite no longer being enforced.

Mayor Mike Hurley said Burnaby is taking responsibility for the racism and exclusion perpetuated by its former governments between 1892 and 1947. “Our actions made life harder for them and for all community members of Chinese descent. For that, we are deeply sorry today,” he said in remarks at the meeting.

Members of Burnaby’s Chinese C

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