Liberals slammed for poor showing for head-tax apology

(CBC) - A Richmond, B.C., man says he feels slighted that many Liberal MPs left the House of Commons last week before the prime minister formally apologized for the Chinese head tax.

Howe Chan, whose father paid $500 to come to Canada, says he had taken his seat in the visitors' gallery, looking forward to hearing Stephen Harper's historic speech.

But Chan told CBC News his "eyes filled with tears" when he saw the empty Liberal seats as Harper made his speech.

The Liberals admit attendence wasn't 100 per cent, but party whip Karen Redman says there was no mass exodus of MPs.

Redman says many Liberal members were not on house duty that day, and were already back in their ridings.

Even so, she says, those there found it emotional.

"There was an older gentleman donning his air force jacket. I could see the wings on it. He proudly saluted. It was obviously a very emotional time for him. And I think it brought tears to most of our eyes."

Chan says the ceremony itself was meaningful, but he remains embarrased by the lack of Liberals, especially since he's a member of the party.

© the CBC, 2006