On the occasion of Project CTO's unveiling of commemorative plaques across Canada, Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement:

"As Canada entered the First World War in 1914, thousands of Canadians of eastern European heritage were imprisoned in internment camps - some of which remained in operation until 1920.

"Designated as 'enemy aliens' without evidence or due process, thousands of individuals and families - primarily of Ukrainian descent - were treated not only as second-class citizens, but as criminals.

"Of Canada's 24 internment camps, six were in British Columbia: at Vernon, Nanaimo, Monashee-Mara Lake, Fernie, Edgewood and Revelstoke. Their operation here is a lasting shame.

"As we commemorate the heroic service of so many British Columbians and Canadians in the First World War, we must also commit ourselves to remember those who were treated unjustly here at home."

Media Contact:

Emile Scheffel
Office of the Premier
778 677-7763