Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic.
A report from Statistics Canada showed hate crimes targeting East and Southeast Asians increased by 301 per cent in 2020 compared to the previous year.
Much of the hate rhetoric has stemmed from xenophobia and anti-Chinese sentiments throughout the pandemic.
READ MORE: STATCAN REPORT SHOWS ANTI-ASIAN CRIMES STILL RAMPANT
A 2020 article from Human Rights Watch said the influx of anti-Asian hate during COVID-19 may have been fuelled by politicians.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s use of the term “Chinese virus” is one example of how language surrounding COVID-19 has contributed to sinophobia and anti-Asian racism.
But racism against Asians doesn’t exist solely within a vacuum of the pandemic era.
Anti-Asian racism has a long history in Canada with many institutions that have upheld discriminatory practices over the years.
Here is a look back at key anti-Asian events and practices throughout Canadian history.