Image for Kew Dock Yip (Wikipedia)

Born April 12, 1906, in Vancouver, Kew Dock Yip (葉求鐸) became the first Chinese Canadian to be called to the bar in Canada, achieving this milestone in Ontario in 1945. He was a leading figure in the Chinese Canadian community's fight for civil rights. Yip played an instrumental role in the successful campaign to repeal the discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Act in 1947 and in securing federal voting rights for Chinese Canadians that same year. His legal expertise and tireless advocacy were crucial in challenging systemic racism and advancing equality. Yip's dedication helped dismantle decades of unjust laws, profoundly impacting the Chinese Canadian community's ability to participate fully in Canadian society and paving the way for future generations.