The Federal Government has begun to make its payments to members of the Chinese community who were forced to pay a head tax when immigrating to Canada between 1885 and 1923.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally apologized in the House of Commons in June for the tax and discrimination. The fee ranging between $50 to $500 was paid by over 80 000 Chinese immigrants to Canada during that period. After 1923 a policy of exclusion effectively banned immigration from China until 1947.

The restitution payments of $20 000 will go to over 400 survivors and their widows. The first cheque was delivered by Heritage Minister Beverley Oda to 99 year old Charlie Quan, who arrived in Canada in 1923. Mr. Quan, who came to Canada at 15 years old to join his uncle, plans to use the money to travel.