Dear Editor,
Re: “New book could help Chinese-Canadian issues in Richmond: Author,” News, Aug. 23
I read with interest the article on author Guo Ding’s book “Canada’s Chinese Gene,” recognizing that it is merely a synopsis of the book.
The Chinese involvement and contribution in the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway is a well publicized and appreciated historical fact.
The suggestion that Chinese-Canadians, because of this historical contribution, “will have a deeper connection to Canada and better realize the responsibilities they have to it” is a challenging premise.
To further suggest that all Chinese-Canadians “should be recognized as nation builders, instead of immigrants” may raise some disgruntled voices.
Throughout Canada’s history, from the founding fathers of Confederation to the present day, our combined ancestral genes, including those of the Chinese, have contributed to nation-building in a myriad of different ways and created the Canada of today.
And yet we are, and were, all immigrants, happy to be just that. The exception is our indigenous peoples whose role and status must be acknowledged.
Today, there are many opportunities for entry as citizens or “guests” — immigrant, permanent resident, visitor visa, super visa, immigrant investor (via Quebec), techno-immigrant, international student, temporary foreign worker and birth tourist.
This, combined with the general human imperfections of greed, opportunism, self-interest and corruption have presented some challenging times.
One can hope that the gene story and knowledge of history achieve the “mutual understanding and consideration” that Mr. Guo Ding is hoping for.
In the meantime, in this broken and imperfect world, “love your neighbour as yourself” is a good start.
N. McDonald
Richmond
