After World War II, government actions generally served as attempts
to destabilize the Japanese community. For example, the sale and
auction of seized property and possessions discouraged the return of
the Japanese British Columbians who had come to Alberta during the
war.
Many Albertans demanded that the promise exacted from the federal
government to remove the evacuees after the war be fulfilled. There
were essentially two positions in making this demand. Some, such as
Premier Ernest Manning, viewed Canada as a 'Christian' nation and
believed that those with other religious affiliations, in this
instance Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, would not and could not be loyal
citizens. Many Christian churches opposed this view as uncharitable
and 'unchristian.' Municipal and labour organizations were concerned
that the Japanese presence would upset labour relations. Newspaper
editorials called for full restoration of civil rights and economic
compensation for the community.
Practical circumstances made the decision. With the sugar beet
industry in the midst of another labour shortage, due to the
departure of labouring German and Italian prisoners of war, southern
Alberta's beet growers lobbied to allow the Japanese British
Columbians to remain. Still, it was not until early in 1948 that
Japanese Canadians in Alberta were entitled to full rights and
privileges as all other Albertans.
While discriminatory practices remained, the general ability of the
Japanese community to rededicate itself to productive activity and
community building was remarkable. Many of those who came as labour
for the sugar beet fields would come to be owners of these farms.
These and others would become elected town councilors and leaders in
the larger community.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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