Chinese Construction Workers and the CPR
In 1880-1885 construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, or CPR, was finally underway. During this time, many Chinese workers were hired to build the railway. Chinese workers were favoured over white workers because they were cheaper, and willing to do anything they were told. But this came with a large cost. Due to the dangerous conditions of the CPR construction sites, many Chinese workers were killed in accidents. There are around 600 recorded deaths, but it is figured that the actual number of Chinese workers who died was over 1’000. It was a common saying in the day that for every mile of railway track that was laid, a Chinese worker died. And none of the families of the deceased workers got any compensation. This is NOT a proud moment in Canadian history, but rather quite a shameful one.
In 1880-1885 construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, or CPR, was finally underway. During this time, many Chinese workers were hired to build the railway. Chinese workers were favoured over white workers because they were cheaper, and willing to do anything they were told. But this came with a large cost. Due to the dangerous conditions of the CPR construction sites, many Chinese workers were killed in accidents. There are around 600 recorded deaths, but it is figured that the actual number of Chinese workers who died was over 1’000. It was a common saying in the day that for every mile of railway track that was laid, a Chinese worker died. And none of the families of the deceased workers got any compensation. This is NOT a proud moment in Canadian history, but rather quite a shameful one.
Shameful is a good way to put the treatment of Chinese workers during completion of the CPR. This is one part of Canadian history that we shan't be proud of. I'm glad that Canada has now become such a diverse country in which all races are welcome and treated equally.
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