What was the "Head Tax" imposed on Chinese immigrants?

Study for the Canada Confederation and Immigration Test with comprehensive multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to guide your learning journey. Get exam-ready efficiently!

The "Head Tax" was a monetary charge that the Canadian government imposed specifically on Chinese immigrants as a condition for their entry into Canada. This fee was instituted as a means to restrict immigration from China, reflecting the discriminatory attitudes of the time. Originally set at a modest amount, the Head Tax increased over the years, making it prohibitively expensive for many Chinese individuals to enter the country.

This policy was part of broader anti-Chinese legislation aimed at reducing the number of Chinese workers and immigrants in Canada, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is an important historical example of racial discrimination in Canadian immigration policy.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of the Head Tax. A tax on income earned by immigrants does not capture the essence of the Head Tax, which was a pre-immigration fee. The requirement of a government bond referred to different types of immigration regulations and does not describe the Head Tax. Lastly, the imposition of a fee for healthcare services is unrelated to the historical context of the Head Tax.

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