Ottawa, down 1is August 2025
The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for official languages, made the following declaration:
“Today, everywhere in the country, we emphasize the day of emancipation, which aims to be imprinted with reflection and determination. This day is both a call for action and a reminder of our common past. We are all responsible for always remembering the tragic history of slavery and its long -term effects on black people, their communities and the country.
In 1834, the Law on the abolition of slaveryadopted by the British Parliament, entered into force. It opened the way to the emancipation of Africans subject to slavery as well as their descendants, and this, in most of the British Empire. More than 800,000 people in Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and South America were freed up after being deprived of their freedom, their dignity and their fundamental rights, in addition to having undergone violence and horrifying abuses. Although generations have succeeded, suffering remains lively.
People of African ancestry played a decisive role in the composition of Canadian identity, and their experiences have shaped the country as we know it today. Our new government is determined to support black communities living in the country, thanks to measures and investments that give people of African descendants to act, and which aim to fight against racism towards blacks and to abolish the systemic obstacles which slow down social and economic inclusion.
I invite the whole Canadian population to take advantage of this day to reflect on the history of slavery in the country and the long -term effects of racism towards blacks. Let us unite our forces to build a united and stronger Canada where black communities can succeed and prosper. »»
