Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement on the anniversary of the arrival of the Komagata Maru on May 23, 1914:

“On this day 104 years ago, 376 travellers of the Sikh, Muslim and Hindu faiths arrived in waters off British Columbia’s coast. They were seeking entry to Canada, to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“Discriminatory immigration laws meant that only a small number of passengers were allowed to disembark. The ship remained anchored here for two months, until the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India, where 19 passengers were killed and many others were imprisoned.

“In 2008, members of the B.C. legislature stood together to formally apologize to travellers on the Komagata Maru and their families. Today, we resolve to never forget the past, and work together to build inclusive and welcoming communities for everyone.

“Despite this dark chapter in our history, the South Asian community has made significant contributions to our economy, history and culture. British Columbia is a better place because of it.”