The treatment of Japaneese Canadians during WW2

The treatment of the Japanese Canadians was dismal and unnecessary and it worsened every day since the occurrence of pearl harbour. In the eyes of the government and society the image of the Japanese Canadians was tarnished and it caused many unjustifiable acts.  The government slowly began to take the freedom, rights and possessions of Japanese Canadians. On the night of pearl harbour 38 people were arrested by the RCMP and many more would be arrested in months later. The government had forced the Japanese fish boats to be confined to port, and eventually, the Canadian navy seized 1200 of these vessels. Soon their houses and everyday possessions were taken leaving them with nothing. The racism towards the Japanese Canadians was an immense hatred by the citizens and government. Even the mayor of BC shared fallacious images of Japanese Canadians stating “Let no Jap be from the Rockies to the Seas”. The public shared the same opinion and scrutinized Japanese Canadians. Some Chinese were even scared and wore “I’m not a Jap” to distinguish themselves. The  was passed and gave the federal government the power to intern all persons of Japanese racial origin. A section of 160 Km of coastline was evacuated and all Japanese people were put on trains and taken to various camps. They were only allowed to take 68kg of clothing, bedding and cooking utensils. Many families were forced to live in cramped quarters with ten or more other families and many camps didn't have the resources to house the huge amounts of people coming into the camps. Most houses were not insulated making winter unbearable for many. The government and society had no reason to fear the Japanese Canadians and yet they let them live in poverty when once their kind prospered. Previously to the internment no Japanese Canadian was ever convicted with disloyalty to Canada.

After the war the Japanese Canadians Were still feared and being prosecuted unjustly. Although there treatment got slightly better it was not on par with that of a “true” Canadian citizen because the fear and racism still lingered. The government deceived the Japanese and told then it would be returned to them instead it was sold at an auction in hopes of financing the war. One man recalled “it was a terrible shock when we learned that this safekeeping business meant nothing, that all our possessions were sold at an auction”. The Japanese got 5-10% of the money made from what had been sold and it was estimated that their property and possessions had been sold at a fraction (1/3) of the price. The government had considered sending all Japanese people back to Japan but decided against it. Many had lost everything and moved away to other countries anyway (4000 of which went back to Japan). Although many were unwilling to give the country a second chance some did and they dispersed across Canada. Those who chose to stay here slowly got compensated and got their rights back. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney signed a compensation package giving $21,000 for each survivor of the internment camps. In 1948 and 1949 in BC the Japanese received the right to vote in a federal election. The government is slowly paying the Japanese back but no amount of money is worth being falsely accused and interned.

Just because the colour of their skin and there origin they were treated like outsiders and the government had no justifiable reason to take the actions it did. The government was scared and frightened and was unwilling to accept them for who they were. I believe it is the up to the individual if he/she takes a negative action and their actions are not influenced by a home country but personal accomplishments and struggles.

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