Burnaby Issues Formal Apology for Historic Discrimination Against People of Chinese Descent

On November 15, 2025, the City of Burnaby issued a formal apology for its historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent, acknowledging harmful policies enforced between 1892 and 1947.

During the ceremony, a special meeting of the City Council was convened to repeal discriminatory bylaws that had impacted people of Chinese descent. The apology, delivered by Mayor Mike Hurley in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation, was livestreamed.

Burnaby has committed to:

• increasing visibility of Chinese Canadian history in public spaces;

• supporting cultural preservation and storytelling;

• advancing anti-racism education and inclusive civic engagement.

The apology follows a months-long community engagement process with the Chinese Canadian Reconciliation Advisory Group and the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table.

Read the City of Burnaby’s official news update here.

Learn more about the apology here.