PREMIER David Eby said: “On this day 110 years ago, the Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver carrying 376 prospective immigrants from India, including among them students, labourers and former soldiers. The passengers, who were Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus, sought to build a new life here. Instead, they were met with hostility in one of the most notorious acts of discrimination in Canadian history. This was due to Canada’s racially restrictive immigration laws at the time.

“Canadian immigration officials refused to allow most of the passengers to disembark or communicate with members of the South Asian community already living in British Columbia. On board, conditions deteriorated as supplies of food and drinking water were limited. After two months, the Komagata Maru was forced from the harbour under the escort of a warship.

“This disgraceful event remains a dark mark on the history of our province. In 2008, the Province of British Columbia issued a formal apology in the legislative chamber for its role in this incident.

“For more than a century, people from South Asia have been calling this province home, though it has not always been a welcoming place. Public engagement has begun so British Columbians can share their vision for a Canadians of South Asian Heritages B.C. museum. This museum will be the first of its kind in Canada and will preserve the rich history of the diverse South Asian communities in this province for generations to come.

“It is important to share and preserve the stories of all who call B.C. home. We all benefit from living in a more inclusive province that is safer and more equitable for everyone.”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “The tragedy of the SS Komagata Maru remains a sad and shameful mark on Canada’s past.

“With profound regret, we remember the 376 Punjabis who journeyed to our shores, hopeful of Canada’s promise of freedom and opportunity, only to be denied stepping foot on our soil due to the discriminatory laws of the time.

“For 63 long days, the passengers of the Komagata Maru were forced to remain on board the confined space of the ship, fighting hunger, dehydration, and disease. Despite the valiant efforts of local South Asian communities fighting against this injustice, the ship was eventually forced to return to India, where political turmoil would tragically lead to the deaths of 19 passengers and the imprisonment of many others.

“110 years on, the injustice of the Komagata Maru incident is unthinkable in today’s Canada, where almost a million Punjabis are now an indispensable part of our common home. Today, as we reflect on the disgraceful bigotry their countrymen faced, we give thanks for all the ways in which Canadians of South Asian descent have helped propel our country forward and recommit to our work of making Canada the freest country on earth for all.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said: “On May 23, 1914, over 110 years ago, the steamship Komagata Maru arrived in Canada, carrying 376 people who were looking for a better life.

“Shamefully, they were denied entry by Canada, detained for two months and frequently denied food or water. Eventually, these people looking for refuge were forced back to India where 19 passengers were killed.

“While Canada has been a haven for thousands of newcomers over the years, these people were not allowed to set foot on Canadian soil. They faced racism and hatred when they were trying to find safety.

“As we reflect on this moment, let us remember those who were turned away and commit to rooting out the racism, discrimination and prejudice that still is alive today. We must dismantle systemic racism and xenophobia wherever it occurs.

“Multiculturalism has always made Canada stronger and, by working together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and welcoming country.”