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Protests launched 125 years ago have finally been heard and answered. Chinese Canadians have welcomed remarks made by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday on the "head tax" issue.

Harper praised the contribution of Chinese Canadians to Canada and promised to deal with the "grave injustices" of the past by apologizing for the head tax that was imposed on Chinese immigrants decades ago.

Harper made the declaration shortly after Canada's new Conservative government vowed in a keynote speech on April 4 to apologize in parliament for the discriminatory head tax.

Prior to 1930, more than 80,000 Chinese immigrants were forced to pay a head tax ranging from 50 to 500 Canadian dollars.

A formal apology will be given in consultation with the Chinese community. Compensation is expected to follow the apology.

Harper's Conservative government is sending a strong message of hope and reconciliation to the Chinese community in Canada.

This will herald the beginning of the settlement of the head tax issue. An appropriate solution is to give the due respect that the Chinese Canadians deserve.

This is an action that allows no delay given that all 250 surviving head tax-payers and their spouses are now elderly.

The Chinese were the only victims of the discriminatory tax. In 1923, the tax was replaced by a virtual ban on Chinese immigrants until 1947.

Some of the immigrants left China willingly, while others were kidnapped by press-gangs. Called "coolies" from kuli, meaning "bitter strength" many ended up staying in the foreign land.

As well as seeking gold, Chinese immigrants built the British Columbia section of the Canadian Pacific Railway, during the construction of which 700 Chinese died. The 17,000 Chinese who helped build the railway were paid half as much as white workers. This was the case for the Chinese in Canada well into the 1930s.

The immigrants struggled through the head tax, the personal attacks and the job discrimination. Despite the hardships, the Chinese in Canada persevered. They contributed their labor, their wisdom and even their lives to the country. The Chinese Canadians were enlisted in the Canadian army during the two world wars.

Today, Chinese Canadians are an integral part of Canada's multicultural society, and have forged their own cultural identity.

The Chinese Canadians have campaigned for years for resolution on the head tax issue and for justice to be dealt.

Harper's praise for Chinese Canadians making an "extraordinary impact" on the building of Canada is more than just an extension of arms to past immigrants and newcomers. The Canadian prime minister's words are recognition of Chinese immigrants as the builders of his country.

The nature and extent of redress will be defined in consultation and negotiation with the head tax families and the broader Chinese community in Canada.

For those head tax-payers and their families, it is a process that must happen quickly.

(China Daily April 11, 2006)