Immigration Minister Jason Kenney poses with James Pon, one of the last surviving head-tax payers, at an event in Toronto in February. Pon, who came to Canada in 1922 at the age of 5, died March 22. He was 95. A nuclear engineer, Pon was one of six surviving head-tax payers present when Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued an official apology to the Chinese community in 2006. Kenney said in a statement that Pon's "contributions to Canada will not be forgotten." “James will be remembered as a true leader who advocated tirelessly for an official head tax apology, and recognition of the contributions of the Chinese railway workers. James’ grandfather laid railway ties during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and James served as Chair of the Foundation to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada.” (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
Friends Read Free