Premier's statement on the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident

VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark has released the following statement on the 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident:

"One hundred years ago, the Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver with 376 people on board. They came to our province with the dream of a better life for their families.

"They weren't given that opportunity. Because of their ethnicity, the government of the day decided to deny the passengers entry. 

"In 2008, the B.C. government joined with the opposition to pass a motion of deep regret that the passengers were turned away. This act of racism is an important reminder to us, and to future generations: we must value, respect and welcome all immigrants who seek to build their lives here in B.C. They enrich our communities and culture, and strengthen our economy. They make our province better.

"Thankfully, attitudes have changed. For the past 100 years, South Asian immigrants have made invaluable contributions to British Columbia.

"We have learned a lot over the last century. But we must never forget this important lesson."