The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, has officially designated the Quong Wing Legal Challenge (1912–1914) as an event of national historic significance. This recognition, part of Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration, highlights a pivotal moment in the fight against racial discrimination in Canada.

In 1912, Saskatchewan enacted An Act to Prevent the Employment of Female Labour in Certain Capacities, a discriminatory law that prohibited people of Asian descent from employing or providing lodgings to white women or girls. Non-compliance carried severe penalties, including fines of up to $100 or two months’ imprisonment. Similar laws were passed in Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia. By 1913, Saskatchewan further amended the legislation to specifically target the Chinese community, reflecting the widespread anti-Chinese racism that influenced federal and provincial policies at the time.

Shortly after the law took effect, Quong Wing, a restaurant owner in Moose Jaw, was charged for employing two white women, Nellie Lane and Mabel Hopham, as servers. With strong support from the Chinese community, he fought the conviction, taking his case to the Supreme Court of Saskatchewan and later to the Supreme Court of Canada—both of which upheld his conviction. In 1914, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England refused to hear any further appeals, cementing the discriminatory ruling.

Facing persistent legal challenges and diplomatic pressure, the Saskatchewan government modified the law in 1919, removing explicit racial references but still imposing restrictive licensing requirements for businesses hiring white women. In 1926, the province replaced it with An Act Respecting the Employment of Female Labour, granting municipalities unchecked power to approve or deny business licences. This law, amended multiple times, remained in effect until its repeal in 1969.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, continues to recognize pivotal moments, places, and individuals that have shaped the nation. By sharing these stories, we encourage Canadians to reflect on the complex legacies of our past and foster a deeper understanding of our collective history.

“Today’s designation of the Quong Wing Legal Challenge commemorates the tireless work of those who seek to challenge inequity and racism. Acknowledging difficult moments in our history links our past and our present and reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a fairer, more equitable society where everyone can reach their full potential.” The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“The designation of Quong Wing’s legal challenge (1912-14) as a national historic event recognizes a Chinese Canadian businessman’s refusal to accept racist legislation prohibiting him from employing “white” women at his Moose Jaw restaurant. His conviction was upheld by multiple higher courts, revealing the limitations of a judicial system embedded in institutional racism. We are inspired to stand up for justice, even if the path to justice is long.” Dr. Helen Chang, MD FCFP M.Ed., Director, Chinese Cultural Society of Saskatchewan and nominator of the designation

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