Re Fukuichi Aho

Re Fukuichi Aho

Re Aho, [1909] 9 WLR 652
County Chief Justice Grant discusses the naturalization process and the naturalization applications of Fukuichi Aho and “a number of other foreigners.” (652) Grant’s musings were prompted by Robertson’s response to the Justice’s request for “evidence” of the applicants’ oaths of allegiance and residence and good character. (652) Robertson asserted that “the Court” - the County Court of Vancouver - “was powerless to make any such inquiry” and should “as a matter of course” administer the issuing of the requested naturalization certificates. (652) Grant points out that section 15 of the Naturalization Act indicates that aliens must supply the “evidence” he requested, and notes the “laxity” commonly displayed regarding this requirement. (653) He recommends that it be observed, in the form of applicants acquiring two “credible natural-born Canadian subjects” to testify to their character and intentions. (655) In future, Grant stated, he would “require” these witnesses in “all cases.” (655)) The applicants presently in his court were instructed to produce these witnesses within 2 months.

Metadata

Title

Re Fukuichi Aho

Credits

Researcher: Monique F. Ulysses
Researcher: Lauren Chalaturnyk
Metadata author: Connell Parish
Metadata author: Gordon Lyall
Publication Information: See Terms of Use for publication and licensing information.
Source: County Court of Vancouver. Western Weekly Reports. 1909.

Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.