Immigration History

In the 1920s, immigrants from Czechoslovakia came to Canada in search of industrial work and available land for agriculture. Czechoslovakia’s diplomats in Canada promoted loyalty to Prague’s policies in the hopes that Slovaks and Czechs would unite into a “Czechoslovak” national community, and defend their homeland in the event of a war. During the Second World War, Czechoslovak diplomats lobbied Canadian officials for political recognition to legitimize their efforts to re-establish a postwar Czechoslovak Republic.

Victoria’s immigration facilities reflect the unique situation of the city in the early history of British Columbia, the surprising clout of public health officials, and intergovernmental conflict and cooperation. Victoria’s immigration facilities were eventually marginalized as Vancouver became a key port of entry in the 1920s. The facilities closed in 1958, and were demolished in 1978.

In the summer of 1955, the Canadian government took the “bold step” of admitting displaced Palestinian refugees from the Arab-Israeli war of 1948. The government approved the resettlement of 100 skilled workers and their families. Canadian officials believed that alleviating the refugee problem in the Middle East would help in furthering regional stability. Although the resettlement scheme was politically sensitive, it served as an important “experiment” for the future selection and resettlement of non-European refugees.

In the 1880s, Saint John became a strategic port for shipping and transportation interests. In 1931, a fire destroyed the port’s outdated immigration facilities resulting in the rerouting of transatlantic passenger traffic to Halifax. By 1950, a new facility opened to process immigrants, but technological advances in aviation and the establishment of the Saint John Airport in 1952, soon diminished the port’s role as an important point of entry for immigrants into Canada.

During the 1920s, the Port of Quebec remained a major point of entry for immigrants to Canada. To better accommodate immigrants, Canadian officials improved the appearance and sanitary conditions of the immigration facilities. A 1925 earthquake and 1927 fire forced the Quebec Harbour Commission to reconstruct site infrastructure, but the subsequent development of the l’Anse-au-Foulon Terminals and its gare maritime, for future transatlantic passenger traffic, would result in the relocation of immigration operations.

By 1850, the Port of Quebec handled two-thirds of European immigration to British North America. Transatlantic passenger traffic increased due to Quebec City’s geographic proximity to Europe. Accordingly, the Quebec Harbour Commission improved port infrastructure with the construction of the Bassin Louise and the Princess Louise docks, and expanded immigration facilities further improving the reception of immigrants. During the First World War, the Port of Quebec was an embarkation point for soldiers heading to Europe.

During Pier 21’s years of operation, Canada placed a high priority on medical screening of immigrants. Pier 21 was one of the few Canadian immigration facilities that integrated medical treatment areas and immigration accommodations. Although many immigrants obtained medical examinations overseas to relieve the burden on Pier 21’s medical officers, the facilities in Halifax included both a clinic and hospital. Pier 21’s medical infrastructure underwent constant renewal and renovation and policies and technologies changed.

Immigrants were particularly vulnerable to unemployment during the Great Depression in the 1930s, a time of increased Canadian nativism. The Canadian government implemented exclusionary immigration policies, applying severe restrictions to entry and drastically increasing deportation. “Unsuitable” immigrants, such as those in jail or hospitals, or otherwise living at public expense, became key targets for exclusion and deportation. The average annual deportation rate rose to six times the previous normal, and immigration centers were often overwhelmed.

Pier 21’s immigration quarters included “accommodation” for people who were delayed due to minor issues, and “detention” for people held for security reasons. Windows with bars or mesh prevented escape, and although some people were free to leave during the day, significant security risks had stricter rules. Recreation areas, airing galleries and dining facilities were available, and matrons were responsible for immigrants’ welfare. After Pier 21’s closure, hotels and jails were used in replacement.