Emancipation Day - August 1st (Slavery Abolition Act) - CPHR NL
On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day, the actual day that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect in 1834 across the British Empire.
Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Therefore, as Canadians, on August 1st, we are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.
Please educate yourself by visiting Emancipation Day — August 1 – Canada.ca and read more information on slavery of Black and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.