作者序言

每個中國人或多或少都知道中國的歷史，但是對於加拿大，這個我們選擇的第二祖國，我們知道多少？這是一個很好的機會去了解這個國家的歷史。相信我，當你了解這個國家越多，你對這個國家就會更有感情，而且將來不論你到加拿大的任何一個角落，你都會有更多的感情、感觸。

作者用了好幾年時間做研究，看了無數與本國歷史有關的書籍，及歷史文件，寫了這一本「加拿大歷史」。寫這本書期間，隨著對事件越多了解，我感覺這更像是一本故事書，因為一個國家的形成，的確是由許許多多的人物，及他們許許多多的經歷組成。也因此在做研究、及在寫的時候，我覺得很有趣味。也認為讀者在閱讀時，會感到趣味。

書中附有16位有關人物的相片。其實在這個資訊發達時代，如果你想看其他相關人物的容貌，很容易就在搜索網站中找到。本書附有所有人物及地方的英文名字，方便大家做進一步的搜尋。另外，我建議您在閱讀此書時，準備一份加拿大的地圖，對你的了解更有幫助。

坊間有關加拿大歷史的英文書籍，多不勝數。但是中文的幾乎絕無僅有。僅有的幾本與加拿大歷史有關的中文書，都限於華人興建鐵路的一部分。因此可以說這是第一本全面的、中文的加拿大歷史書。希望大家看過後提出寶貴意見。

第一版發售期間，我聽到最多的建議是，希望字體大些，這一點已在再版時改進。也有很多人建議我在寫1892以後的加拿大歷史。這是在我計畫之中，希望將來有時間完成。

多謝大家支持，也多謝聯邦前任移民部長Jason Kenney在序言中的鼓勵及支持。

Foreword

I was honoured when Rita approached me to write the foreword for her new book, Canadian Histories 1492 - 1892. This book is the first of its kind; a book about Canadian history, told from the prospective of Chinese-Canadians, and written in Chinese. Chinese-Canadians make up a significant portion of Canada’s population—1.3 million and growing—and continue to offer meaningful economic and cultural contributions. As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I have had the distinct privilege of interacting with this community and meeting dynamic and talented Chinese-Canadian leaders first hand.

Rita’s vast experiences allow her to tell insightful and colourful stories about from a unique Chinese perspective. By chronicling our history—with stories like the discovery of our land by Cartier, the first permanent settlements under Champlain, the fierce battles for our sovereignty during the war of 1812, and the building of the transcontinental railway—she brilliantly illustrates the monumental achievements that connected our great Dominion from coast to coast.

Our history is our foundation; the cornerstone of who we are as Canadians. It is important for all Canadians to be told these stories and reminded of our principles, and so I’m very pleased Rita reaching out to engage the Chinese community. Chinese-Canadians have always contributed to our development, our economy, and our cultural traditions. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in June of 2006: “The Canada we know today would not exist were it not for the efforts of the Chinese labourers who began to arrive in the mid-nineteenth century.” Today, they are leading entrepreneurs and business people shaping and driving our economy into the future. Canadian History 1492 - 1892 will help generations of Chinese-Canadians to understand and appreciate our proud history and shared values.

I am certain the Chinese community will find these stories as inspiring and informative as I have, and I am certain it will inspire a new dialogue amongst all Canadians.

Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

ISBN 0-9877516 

版權所有侵權必究 (如有引述片段，請註明出處)