Thank You, Prime Minister Harper

The Chinese Head Tax is not such a big issue in the mainstream media, but it has been huge in the Chinese media since last November (the weekend before the drop of the writ), and it was an election issue that dominated headlines on Chinese papers for at least 2 weeks.

I have been very impressed with the Harper government since after they sworn-in on Febuary 6.

The Prime Minister has a lot of substance, and I really like the way he handled the media, especially where he doesn't go up to the microphone when he has nothing to say.

From recruiting David Emerson, to visiting Afghanistan, to initiate the process of apologizing for the Chinese Head Tax, the Prime Minister showed that he has a vision for this country by focusing to comply his election promises, and try to handle issues swiftly with great efficiency.

The Liberals took more than 12 years to deal with the Head Tax issue. Still they couldn't get it resolve.

Now, it will probably take less than a year for the Conservative government to close this file.

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POSTED ON 25/03/06

Apology for head tax forthcoming, minister says

Chinese-Canadians who met with Heritage Minister Bev Oda yesterday say they welcome her promise that Ottawa will formally apologize for a former head tax on Chinese immigrants and consider paying compensation.

Jason Kenney, the Prime Minister's parliamentary secretary, says it is a "distinct possibility" an apology could come before Canada Day. About 80,000 Chinese paid a total of $23-million from 1885 to 1923 to enter the country.

Susan Eng of the Ontario Coalition of Chinese Head Tax Payers and Families said the meeting was a positive step toward rectifying a historic wrong. CP

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