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Introduction

Though the Chinese had come to what is now Canada in search of gold in 1858, it was the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway that brought large numbers of Chinese men to British Columbia from 1880 to 1884. Desperate to escape the harsh conditions at home in China, these men came to Canada seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Many returned to China, but many more stayed. Some eventually brought their families over.

These hard-working people gradually moved east, in search of work and opportunities. They prospered and improved their lives, but not before facing poverty, loneliness, discrimination, dangerous work and poor living conditions.

Today, Chinese people live in every province and territory of Canada, making valuable contributions to the Canadian way of life.