Spotlight

Useful resources on Chinese-language materials for Chinese Canadian Genealogy.

China established a consulate-general in Ottawa in 1909. Between 1909 and 1970, Chinese consulates existed at various times in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. People of Chinese origin registered with one of the consulates, and information about these individuals may be found in consular records.

The majority of early emigrants from China to Canada came from the Pearl River Delta in southern China's Guangdong Province. This section provides more information about the Geography of Chinese Emigration including maps and information about the county origins of emigrants. It also offers tips on Locating Your Ancestral Home.

Border entry records for immigrants crossing into Canada from the United States and for immigrants crossing into the United States from Canada.

Finding and viewing passenger lists as part of Chinese Canadian Genealogy research.

In addition to extensive registers created to document people of Chinese origin in Canada, Library and Archives Canada holds personal case files documenting the entry of specific families and individuals of Chinese ancestry to Canada under the Chinese Immigration Act.

The General Registers of Chinese Immigration is a very important resource for Chinese Canadian genealogical research. The register was created in Ottawa, and was based on records submitted by immigration officials at various ports. It spans the period from 1885-1949, and theoretically lists all immigrants of Chinese ancestry who arrived in Canada during that period. There are some entries for arrivals dating back as early as 1860.

Legislative controls on Chinese immigration to Canada resulted in a very cumbersome system overseen by the Chief Controller of Chinese Immigration in Ottawa. The system generated a number of certificates, which were issued to Chinese people. These certificates provide very useful genealogical information, and can be a link to Immigration Records.

 

Overseas Chinese who shared the same surname — although not directly related — assumed that they may have had a common, remote ancestor, and that in the broad sense of the word (zong), they were clansmen to each other. The majority of Chinese immigrants in Canada belonged to a few large clans and shared a small pool of surnames.

Your family may have collected many items over time which could provide useful clues to your family history, as well as a richer picture of people's lives. One of the most useful types of memorabilia is the Chinese Immigration Certificates and Forms that were issued by federal immigration officials. Other examples include: Family Bible Newspaper clippings Letters School yearbooks and report cards Passports Photographs When possible, make copies of family memorabilia. In some cases, you may be able to make photocopies. However, older items are sometimes quite delicate, and cannot be photocopied. Prepare