NORTH BAY- Conservative leader Stephen Harper issued the following statement today:

“The Conservative Party has long recognized the terrible historical wrong of the Chinese head tax. It is time for Parliament and the Government of Canada to recognize this grave injustice, and to apologize for it.

I acknowledge the efforts of Conservative parliamentarians and candidates to obtain a just redress of the head tax. These efforts are in keeping with the historical achievement of a previous Conservative government in addressing the unjust internment of Japanese Canadians.

Any redress should also acknowledge the invaluable contribution made to Canada by the Chinese-Canadian community. A Conservative government would work with the entire Chinese-Canadian community to establish a consensus for reconciliation and redress.”

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For more information: Conservative Party Press Office (613) 755-2191