The City of Burnaby will formally apologize for historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent on November 15, 2025.
The apology is part of a set of actions and commitments to representation and inclusion made by the City, following a robust engagement campaign with the community, including representatives from Chinese Canadian families with deep historic connections to Burnaby.
“Thank you to all the members of the community who shared their families’ stories, and helped guide this important initiative for the City,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “While we cannot right the historic wrongs that were committed in Burnaby, this process has outlined a path towards ensuring Burnaby is a place that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”
The process included surveys, dialogue sessions, focus groups and individual interviews. Engagement activities were delivered in Cantonese and Mandarin as well as English, and printed materials were available in English and translated into simplified and traditional Chinese. The findings of this engagement campaign underscored the importance of the City acknowledging the hardships faced by early Chinese settlers and the lasting impact of historical discrimination.
“The City of Burnaby's work with the local Chinese Canadian community towards an apology is a welcome start to redress and uplifting the stories of those who have contributed so much to the fabric of this city and the region at large. As a person who has deep roots in Burnaby and grew up on these lands, it is heartwarming to see myself and my family members truly reflected in the histories that we tell about this place, for the first time,” said Christina Lee, member of the Chinese Canadian Reconciliation Advisory Group. “Reconciliation, however, is more than just acknowledging the harms of the past that were directed at one community; I am most excited to see how the City's ongoing commitments to this work will continue to build upon these legacies, and inform pathways towards a more equitable, just future for everyone.”
In addition to the apology, the City commits to:
- Increasing the visibility of Chinese Canadian history and culture in public spaces;
- Facilitating activities to preserve and share Chinese Canadian culture and history; and
- Reducing barriers and encouraging inclusion
The formal apology event will take place at the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, located at 6083 McKay Avenue. The Hilton Hotel and Crystal Mall development are located on land previously owned by Burnaby’s Larry and Kathy Lee who operated the Dragon Inn restaurant; the iconic restaurant served as a welcoming space in the community for several decades, where many experienced Chinese food and culture for the first time. The venue has been carefully chosen to accommodate over 200 attendees and to provide a meaningful space for reflection and connection.
Learn More: Apology for Historic Discrimination Against People of Chinese Descent