On April 1, 1949, four years after the war ended, the last of the wartime restrictions were lifted allowing Japanese Canadians to travel freely and return to the West Coast. A year earlier Japanese Canadians were able to apply for citizenship and gain the right to vote. Contrary to popular belief, Japanese Canadians were never a threat to national security. The RCMP and the military officials advised the government against uprooting and internment orders. The basis for injustices inflicted upon Japanese Canadians was racism and political and economic opportunism.
Citizenship certificate belonging to
Kazuo Miki, born in Canada.
(courtesy Art Miki)
)