Since 2021, the Canadian House of Commons has recognized August 1 as Emancipation Day. Emancipation Day recognizes the day the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 became a law and was implemented across the British Empire, including Canada.
On August 1, 1834, the Act took effect officially ending the practice of slavery for over 800,000 Black and Indigenous people across British Colonies. The Act additionally confirmed Canada as a free territory for enslaved African Americans, welcoming thousands between 1834 and early 1860s and offering space to extend the Underground Railroad further north in Canada.
We encourage all members to use Emancipation Day as an opportunity to learn more about the lasting effects of Slavery in Canada, as well as to continue to address both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination in our communities.