Why were Japanese Canadians interned during World War II?

Japanese Canadians were interned during World War II primarily because they were considered enemy aliens by the Canadian government. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war against Japan, there was a climate of fear and suspicion directed towards Japanese Canadians. Many in the government and among the public viewed people of Japanese descent as potential threats to national security, despite the fact that the vast majority were Canadian citizens or long-time residents.

As a result, the government initiated policies that led to the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Canadians, stripping them of their rights, properties, and livelihoods purely based on their ethnicity. This policy was a reflection of wartime paranoia and racism rather than any evidence of disloyalty or criminal activity among Japanese Canadians. Understanding this context sheds light on the injustices faced during this period, highlighting the broader themes of discrimination and the impact of wartime policies on civil liberties.