Why did the Canadian government refuse the SS St Louis?​

Explanation:

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau has apologised for his country's role in turning away a ship carrying over 900 Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.

In 1939, German liner the MS St Louis sailed to Havana, Cuba, but that country's government refused them entry, although they had visas.

The US and Canada also blocked them, denying the passengers safe haven.

The ship was forced to return to Europe and 254 of the refugees later died in Nazi concentration camps.

Addressing Canada's parliament, Mr Trudeau spoke of how the Liberal government of the day "was unmoved by the plight of these refugees".

"The government chose to turn its back on these innocent victims of Hitler's regime," he said.

Canada's refusal was indicative of its restrictive rules towards Jewish immigration at the time.

"Bitter resentment towards Jews were enshrined in our policies," said the prime minister on Wednesday.