Defeat of Fascism
Today, the Chinese Canadian veterans call it, “One War, Three Victories.” The end of the Second World War on 2 Sep 1945 brought together three separate struggles, each with its own hard won victory. The first victory was the Allied defeat of fascism. Chinese Canadians were proud to serve Canada in her hour of need even though they faced political exclusion, racism, and inequality at home.
Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act
The second victory was the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act. This law had effectively stopped Chinese immigration, damaged family life, and impacted community growth for twenty-four years. After the war, Chinese Canadian veterans and community leaders mobilized for change, grounded in the moral authority of having earned the right to be treated as other Canadians. The second victory came on 14 May 1947.
Granted Full Citizen Rights
The third victory was the return of the vote, and this too had to be won separately. Chinese Canadians had long been denied the franchise by racist laws at both the provincial and federal levels. That meant the end of the war did not automatically bring full citizenship rights, and repeal of exclusion did not automatically restore the vote. Chinese Canadians still had to fight to be recognized not just as immigrants free from restriction, but as full Canadians.
Service, Sacrifice, Rights
“One War, Three Victories,” encapsulates the three distinct struggles by the Chinese community. It means one war helped open three doors – military recognition, repeal of exclusion, and civil rights – but Chinese Canadians still had to fight to push each door open.
