Chinese head tax (Newfoundland)
The Chinese head tax was a $300 fee placed on Chinese immigrants entering the Dominion of Newfoundland from 1906 to 1949.[1]
Legislation
In the 19th General Assembly, William R. Howley introduced a bill that would have prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering into the country. Howley's bill, however, was defeated in the House of Assembly.[2]
On April 27, 1906, Justice Minister Edward P. Morris presented a petition from the Longshoreman's Protective Union requesting legislation to stop Chinese immigration.[3]
The House of Assembly passed the legislation quickly, however, the Legislative Council deliberated. The Upper House was divided, with some supporting it and others not. Eventually, the Council supported it, but they reduced the $500 to $300.[4]
On August 8, 1906, an Act Respecting the Immigration of Chinese Persons passed through the legislature.[3]
Tax
Originally, the tax was $500; however, after a compromise from the Legislative Council, it was reduced to $300.[1] Approximately 330 Chinese men paid the fee, with women and children actively barred entry to the country.[5] The tax was, at the time, equivalent to a three years' wage. Most borrowed money from family, and spent many years after paying off the debt.[6]
Apology
On June 28, 2006, Premier Danny Williams made a formal apology on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.[7]
Monument
On September 17, 2010, a monument off of St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street was unveiled to commemorate the tax.[8][9] The monument reads: In 1906, the Government of the Dominion of Newfoundland imposed a $300 (three hundred dollars) head tax on each Chinese immigrant entering the country. This discriminatory legislation remained in effect until 1949. This monument is dedicated to the memory of those Chinese immigrants who travelled from their homeland seeking a better life.[5]
References
- 1 2 Hong, Robert G. (2006). "Newfoundland's 1906 Chinese Head Tax". heritage.nf.ca. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ "Journal of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland, in the Fifth Session of the Nineteenth General Assembly" (PDF). assembly.nl.ca. St. John's, Newfoundland: The Evening Telegram Office. 1904. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- 1 2 "Journal of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland, in the Second Session of the Twentieth General Assembly" (PDF). assembly.nl.ca. St. John's, Newfoundland: The Evening Telegram Office. 1906. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ "Journal of the Legislative Council of the Island of Newfoundland, Second Session of the Twentieth General Assembly, 1906" (PDF). assembly.nl.ca. St. John's, Newfoundland: Office of the Evening Herald. 1906. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- 1 2 Ping, William (2022-02-15). "A monumental task: Turning an act of 'disrespect' into a learning moment". cbc.ca. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ "'Taking Root' exhibit outlines history of Chinese immigration to province". saltwire.com. PNI Atlantic. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ Matthews, Elizabeth (2006-06-28). "Province apologizes for Chinese Head Tax". releases.gov.nl.ca. Executive Council. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ Clarke, Lesley (2010-09-17). "Media Advisory: Minister to Participate in Monument Unveiling Ceremony". releases.gov.nl.ca. Executive Council. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ "Monument marks Chinese head tax history". cbc.ca. 2010-09-20. Retrieved 2026-05-24.