An advisory council with a wide range of expertise and background will support and advise government on how to implement recommendations made in the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report.

As part of government’s pledge to create a legacy to honour the apology for historical wrongs committed against British Columbia’s Chinese Canadian community, Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat today announced the formation of the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC).

The council’s role will be to work with Chinese Canadian communities and other key partners to support and advise government and ensure that the eight legacy projects recommended in the final report are successfully implemented and are known and communicated throughout the province.

The first step in the reconciliation process was consultation, followed by an official apology delivered in May by Premier Christy Clark on behalf of all members of the B.C. legislative assembly. A consultation report with legacy initiative recommendations was released at the same time.

“In choosing the council members, we looked for respected community leaders who could take on challenges and bring valuable knowledge to the table to support and improve the projects,” said Wat. “Our goal is to ensure we have a meaningful legacy for all British Columbians.”

The two council chairs are Dr. Henry Yu and David Choi, both outstanding members of the Chinese community.

Dr. Yu is the Principal of St. John's College, University of British Columbia, and for the past eight years has been the Director of the Initiative for Student Teaching and Research in Chinese Canadian Studies.

David Choi is the National Executive Chair of the National Congress of Chinese Canadians and was a founder of Royal Pacific Realty in 1995. He is also a founding council member of the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

The eight legacy initiatives include:

• Identification and recognition of historical sites, artifacts and culturally important locations.
• Legislation review.
• Creation of a book celebrating Chinese Canadian achievements in B.C.
• Working with clan associations to develop a housing needs assessment.
• Commemorative plaques and/or monument(s).
• B.C. education curriculum supplement plan.
• Museum exhibit.
• Online resource.

The B.C. government believes that a rich multicultural society helps nurture acceptance, understanding and mutual respect. Cultural diversity, increased participation and engagement by all cultures are vitally important to create a strong and vibrant social and economic future for British Columbia.

Quick Facts:

• One-quarter of the people in B.C. are self-identified visible minorities, and 5% identify as Aboriginal.
• B.C. is the most ethnically diverse province in Canada and welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year.

Learn More:

For a complete list of Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council members and to view draft work plans for the legacy initiatives: http://www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/community/apology_for_historical_wrongs.page?WT.svl=Centre

View the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report and Recommendations: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Chinese_Consultation.pdf

Embrace BC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
778 977-0298