Series S3 - Toronto Chapter of the National Association of Japanese Canadians

The Greater Toronto Chapter of the NAJC in its present form began in 1984 with the formation of the North York chapter. At the time, the Toronto JCCA was the official chapter of the NAJC in Toronto. Members of the TJCCA were divided on what Redress should look like. As the chapter became divided, those who felt that the leaders of the TJCCA were acting without member consultation formed the North York chapter of the NAJC. Under the NAJC constitution, only one chapter could represent any geographic region, and since many of those unhappy with the TJCCA actions, they formed under the title of North York. At the time North York was still a separate city and had not been amalgamating into Toronto. Soon after this in 1985, members of the North York chapter received notice that they were being expelled from the Toronto JCCA Redress Committee. The TJCCA had not held an annual General Meeting for years, adding further discomfort to the situation. Many felt that the chapter was not acting democratically. The National council soon stopped recognizing the TJCCA as the representative body from Toronto, but instead the North York chapter. November, 1985 the NAJC passed a motion to formalize this action. This was reciprocated in January 1986 when the TJCCA announced they were splitting from the NAJC. By 1986, the North York chapter was able to use the title Greater Toronto chapter and officially represent the Japanese Canadian community in the GTA with the support of the NAJC on a national scale.