Illustrated graphic by HistoricaCanada video

Nov 16, 2002: The first atypical pneumonia case, later SARS, was reported in China, triggering a global crisis; Toronto became a major outbreak site. The 2002-2003 SARS epidemic, deeply impacted Canada, especially Toronto, the hardest-hit city outside Asia. It fueled widespread public fear and, tragically, significant anti-Chinese discrimination. Chinese Canadians faced unjust stigmatization; their businesses, particularly in Chinatowns, suffered immensely from sharp declines in customers due to misinformation. Individuals reported increased verbal harassment and avoidance.