Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre marked the 110th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident by calling it a shameful mark on Canada’s past. “The tragedy of the SS Komagata Maru remains a shameful mark on Canada’s past. 110 years on, we remember the 376 Punjabis denied entry to our shores due to the discriminatory laws of the time and recommit to our work of making Canada the freest country on earth for all,” said Poilievre, the Official Leader of the Opposition.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

OTTAWA – Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre marked the 110th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident by calling it a shameful mark on Canada’s past.

“The tragedy of the SS Komagata Maru remains a sad and shameful mark on Canada’s past,” said Poilievre, the Official Leader of the Opposition.

“With profound regret, we remember the 376 Punjabis who journeyed to our shores, hopeful of Canada’s promise of freedom and opportunity, only to be denied stepping foot on our soil due to the discriminatory laws of the time.   

“For 63 long days, the passengers of the Komagata Maru were forced to remain onboard the confined space of the ship, fighting hunger, dehydration, and disease. Despite the valiant efforts of local South Asian communities fighting against this injustice, the ship was eventually forced to return to India, where political turmoil would tragically lead to the deaths of 19 passengers and the imprisonment of many others.  

“110 years on, the injustice of the Komagata Maru incident is unthinkable in today’s Canada, where almost a million Punjabis are now an indispensable part of our common home. Today, as we reflect on the disgraceful bigotry their countrymen faced, we give thanks for all the ways in which Canadians of South Asian descent have helped propel our country forward and recommit to our work of making Canada the freest country on earth for all.”