Harper vows to consult Indo-Canadians
August 8, 2006
The Globe and Mail
Vancouver — Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised yesterday to consult with the Indo-Canadian community over how best for his government to atone for the Komagata Maru incident that took place more than 90 years ago, in 1914.
Mr. Harper made the promise to a large crowd of Indo-Canadians during a speech at the Gadri Babiyian Da Mela Punjabi festival in Surrey, B.C.
In 1914, Canadian immigration authorities refused to allow the Komagata Maru ship packed with Punjabis to dock in Vancouver, although those on board were legally entitled to enter Canada. They languished off shore for two months in appalling conditions before being forced back to India. Staff
