On November 15, 2025, the Mayor and Council issued an official apology for Burnaby’s historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent.

For more than 50 years, from 1892 to 1947, the District Municipality of Burnaby enforced policies and practices that discriminated against people of Chinese descent living, working, and operating businesses in the community. The Municipality also advocated for senior levels of government to introduce regulations targeting this group.

This formal apology reflects the City’s commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming Burnaby for everyone. Alongside the apology, the City is taking meaningful steps to address the legacies of this historic discrimination.

Read the full apology here.