The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of the West Indian Domestic Scheme
Ottawa, ON – February 6, 2025 – The Government of Canada today recognized the national historic significance of the West Indian Domestic Scheme, an immigration program that brought approximately 3,000 women from Caribbean countries to Canada between 1955 and 1967.
The West Indian Domestic Scheme was established in response to a labour shortage in Canada during the post-World War II economic boom. The program allowed women from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean countries to come to Canada to work as domestic servants.
The women who came to Canada through the West Indian Domestic Scheme faced many challenges, including discrimination, racism, and exploitation. However, they also made significant contributions to Canadian society. They helped to fill a critical labour shortage, and they brought their unique Caribbean culture to Canada.
Today, the West Indian Domestic Scheme is recognized as an important chapter in Canadian history. It is a reminder of the struggles and contributions of Caribbean Canadians, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Canadian people.
The Government of Canada is committed to preserving and promoting the history of the West Indian Domestic Scheme. In 2023, the government announced that it would be investing $2 million in a new national historic site to commemorate the scheme. The site will be located in Toronto, Ontario, and it will tell the stories of the women who came to Canada through the program.
Quotes:
“The West Indian Domestic Scheme was a significant chapter in Canadian history,” said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The women who came to Canada through this program made important contributions to our country, and their stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.”
“I am proud that the Government of Canada is recognizing the national historic significance of the West Indian Domestic Scheme,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. “This scheme brought thousands of Caribbean women to Canada, and they have made our country a more diverse and vibrant place.”
Background:
The West Indian Domestic Scheme was established in 1955 in response to a labour shortage in Canada. The program allowed women from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean countries to come to Canada to work as domestic servants.
The women who came to Canada through the scheme were typically between the ages of 18 and 35. They were required to have a minimum of six months of experience as a domestic servant, and they had to be able to speak English.
The women who came to Canada through the scheme faced many challenges. They were often paid less than their Canadian counterparts, and they were sometimes subjected to discrimination and racism. They also faced challenges in finding housing and childcare.
Despite the challenges, the women who came to Canada through the West Indian Domestic Scheme made significant contributions to Canadian society. They helped to fill a critical labour shortage, and they brought their unique Caribbean culture to Canada. They also paved the way for future generations of Caribbean Canadians.
The West Indian Domestic Scheme was discontinued in 1967. However, the legacy of the scheme continues to live on. Today, there are over 300,000 Caribbean Canadians living in Canada, and they continue to make important contributions to our country.
The Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of the West Indian Domestic Scheme as an immigration program through which approximately 3,000 women from Caribbean countries came to Canada, contributing to the growth of Caribbean culture in Canada.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Canada All National News a new article on 2025-02-06 17:00 titled “The Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of the West Indian Domestic Scheme as an immigration program through which approximately 3,000 women from Caribbean countries came to Canada, contributing to the growth of Caribbean culture in Canada.”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
130