The City of Burnaby has taken a significant step toward reconciliation by formally apologizing for historical discrimination against people of Chinese descent. Mayor Mike Hurley and city councillors delivered the apology during a ceremony held on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Ceremony at Historic Location
The event took place in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, a location chosen for its deep historical significance. This site was once home to the Dragon Inn, an iconic restaurant that played a vital role in introducing Chinese cuisine and culture to the Burnaby community.
Mayor Hurley delivered the formal apology in English, with professional interpreters providing simultaneous translation into Cantonese and Mandarin. The ceremony was livestreamed to ensure broader community participation and accessibility.
Addressing Decades of Discrimination
Burnaby's apology specifically acknowledges systemic exclusion and harm that occurred between 1892 and 1947. For more than half a century, the city enacted policies that denied Chinese Canadians fundamental rights, including the right to vote, own property, and work for the municipality.
"By recognizing and acknowledging the harm caused by the city's historic treatment of people of Chinese descent, we are taking an important step toward building a more inclusive, welcoming community," stated Mayor Hurley during the ceremony.
Concrete Actions for Reconciliation
As part of the reconciliation process, Burnaby City Council held a special meeting during the ceremony to repeal discriminatory bylaws that remained on the books from that era. The city has also committed to several ongoing initiatives to address this historical injustice.
These commitments include increasing the visibility of Chinese Canadian history in public spaces, supporting cultural preservation and storytelling projects, and advancing anti-racism education programs. The city will also work to improve inclusive civic engagement opportunities for all community members.
The apology followed months of careful consultation guided by the Chinese Canadian reconciliation advisory group and an intercultural committee. This extensive process included surveys, community dialogues, and interviews conducted in three languages to ensure thorough community input.
