Wayne Chow, a recently turned 100-year-old man from Victoria, British Columbia, has witnessed significant changes in the treatment of people from different ethnic backgrounds in the province. Born in Cumberland on Vancouver Island in 1924 to a father who had immigrated from China to work in the coal mines, Wayne grew up to marry and father five children. He was among the first Chinese Canadians to receive a C.I.45 certificate, a document issued in response to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 that required all Chinese persons in Canada to register with the government within a year.
While the C.I.45 certificate was intended to identify first-generation Chinese individuals born on Canadian soil, it also included the statement, “This certificate does not confer any legal status in Canada.” Wayne’s certificate is now on display at the Chinese Canadian Museum as part of the Paper Trail exhibit, highlighting the struggles faced by Chinese immigrants in Canada at the time. Douglas Chow, Wayne’s son, expressed gratitude for the opportunity his father had in raising his family in Canada and providing them with various opportunities. Despite the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in the past, Douglas believes that Canada is a just and equal society, and they are fortunate to be Canadians.
The repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1947, three years before Wayne graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in electrical engineering, marked progress towards greater equality for Chinese Canadians in the country. Wayne went on to have a successful career with BC Hydro, reflecting the opportunities and advancements made possible by the changing societal attitudes towards people of different ethnicities. Douglas acknowledged the significance of the Chinese Canadian Museum in showcasing Chinese culture and heritage in Canada, noting that without such institutions, the stories and experiences of Chinese immigrants may have been overlooked.
Douglas emphasized that his father’s ability to witness the changes in Canada and the opportunities available to subsequent generations is a testament to the progress made in creating a more inclusive and fair society. Wayne’s journey from being one of the first Chinese Canadians documented with a C.I.45 certificate to celebrating his 100th birthday symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of immigrants in overcoming barriers and contributing to the rich tapestry of Canada’s multicultural landscape. The Paper Trail exhibition serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Chinese immigrants while also highlighting the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of diverse communities to the country’s history and development.
