Gim Wong — page 10

By Julie MacLellan,reporter

Wong believes the government must acknowledge that the $23 million it collected from the Chinese head tax was unjust.

"Taxes belong to the people that pay them. The $23 million that was collected did not benefit those taxed at all."

But at its heart, it's not about the money.

"The symbolic apology is long overdue," he says. "An apology does not cost anything. All it takes is a bit of generosity and compassion and soul-searching.

"Even a straight refund of $500 would be symbolic enough, and put it behind us."

He isn't sure what will come of it all.

But he will continue to do his part. He will speak out when he's asked to. He will tell his story in the hopes it will be remembered. He will don his uniform to volunteer with the Chinese Veterans' Association, to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies.

He will button up his coat with pride.

And he will sing O Canada.

Because this is his home, his native land.

His name is Gim Wong, and he is Canadian.