Wong Foon Sien (c. 1901–1971)

For almost half a century, Wong Foon Sien fought for the civil and human rights of Chinese Canadians. He was a leading figure of the campaign for less restrictive immigration policies toward Chinese in the decade following the repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1947, therefore contributing to the reunification of hundreds of Chinese families in Canada. He was an ardent activist for the recognition of the rights of the Chinese-Canadian community and other minorities, being actively involved in a number of civil and human rights organizations, and as such, contributing to the development of a more tolerant society. Through his work as a journalist, a labour activist, and a community leader acting as a conciliatory force within Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community, he contributed to the development and maintenance of strong community organizations as well as to the welfare of the Chinese community of Vancouver.

Wong Foon Sien was born in China and as a child, his family immigrated to Cumberland, British Columbia, where his father became a successful merchant. He studied law but worked as legal interpreter and translator because a requirement to be on the electoral list precluded Chinese Canadians from practicing in the professions. He later embarked on a career as a professional cultural broker between the Chinese community and other subgroups, exemplifying the style of ethnic leadership that emerged during the interwar years. While some detractors challenged his authority to speak for the entire Chinese-Canadian community, Wong Foon Sien’s exceptional skills in public relations and networking allowed him to serve as a leader within Chinese Canadian organizations and as a Chinese community representative to Canadian institutions.

Wong Foon Sien achieved what would become his most important legacy when he presided over the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) of Vancouver. From 1948 to 1959, he embarked on a national campaign to pressure the federal government for a more liberal immigration policy. Despite the repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (better known as the Exclusion Act), remaining restrictions made family reunification difficult. His widely publicized and professional campaign contributed to the achievement of a number of concessions, including the adoption of a successful scheme for bridal immigration.

He participated in a number of significant battles for the Chinese community, such as campaigns for the provincial and the municipal franchise. He also played a role as a union leader and was an active member of several organizations working for the welfare of the Chinese community, the recognition of civil and human rights, the betterment of working conditions, the harmonization of interracial relations, as well as the promotion of Chinese and Canadian patriotism. As a journalist, he served on the editorial staff of the New Republic Chinese Daily out of Victoria, and contributed to other publications.

Known as the “the unofficial Mayor of Chinatown” and the “Champion of Chinese Rights,” Wong Foon Sien succeeded in gaining respect as a leader and a representative of the Chinese community in mainstream society.