Racism at the turn of the century

“Let me tell you my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada and of Canadian development,” promised Wilfrid Laurier. Anxious Canadians waited for Wilfrid Laurier to fulfill his promise, waiting to seek new career opportunities and live prosperously. The nineteenth century was the century of American development; could the twentieth be the century of Canadian development? Many Canadians did see his promise fulfilled, those of European origin that is. To begin, men of Asian origin were well qualified for various occupations; however, White men were chosen over them regardless how many useful working skills they possessed. Furthermore, as the Canadian Government encouraged immigration to the “Last Best West”, those of British, Scottish, and Eastern European origin were informed and accepted. Ultimately, thousands of non-White Canadians were willing to enlist as Canada entered World War One; nevertheless, they were rejected for many years becaus...