Making a Difference


Page 5of 5
Part of the exibition " But Women did Come:150 Years of Chinese Women in North America"

 
The 1940s ushered in a new era for Chinese Canadians. Although they were prohibited from enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces until1944, Chinese Canadians across the country raised millions of dollars for the war effort by selling bonds, holding fund-raising events and mortgaging their buildings.
Women's Auxilliary, Victoria, B.C., 1941. (courtesy Mabel and Fred Yee collection)
Toronto, Ontario. (courtesy E.C. Mark family collection)
In 1947, Ottawa agreed to repeal the "Exclusion Act", and granted Chinese Canadians the right to vote. But it was not until 1957, after years of lobbying, that the Canadian government allowed Chinese families to be reunited in Canada.
Pte. Mary Ko Bong, 115036, Canadian Women's Army Corps, Victoria, B.C., 1944. (courtesy Mary Ko Bong)
Jean Lumb with Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, Ottawa, 1957. (courtesy Jean Lumb)
By the 1960s, Chinese Canadians were finally able to enjoy a complete family life. Work ad educational opportunities that were previously closed, gradually opened.
May and Mary Lee fund-raising in Kingston, Ontario, for the war effort, 1941. (courtesy Mark family collection)
 
 
New World, New Changes
Growing up Canadian
Women at Work
Community Life
Making a Difference
Credits