The Senate

Pursuant to notice of March 30, 2021, moved:

That the Senate recognize:

(a)that the British Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire as of August 1, 1834;

(b)that slavery existed in British North America prior to its abolition in 1834;

(c)that abolitionists and others who struggled against slavery, including those who arrived in Upper and Lower Canada by the Underground Railroad, have historically celebrated August 1 as Emancipation Day;

(d)that the Government of Canada announced on January 30, 2018, that it would officially recognize the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent to highlight the important contributions that people of African descent have made to Canadian society, and to provide a platform for confronting anti-Black racism; and

(e)the heritage of Canada’s people of African descent and the contributions they have made and continue to make to Canada; and

That, in the opinion of the Senate, the government should designate August 1 of every year as “Emancipation Day” in Canada.

She said: In the interest of time, Your Honour, I will not debate the motion. I rise simply to say, with regard to Motion No. 83, recognizing emancipation day, that fully recognizing emancipation day is part of systemic change. Honourable colleagues, let us choose to be change leaders by formally recognizing the historical context of slavery in Canada. Let us show Canadians that Black history matters. I call for the movement of this motion.

Thank you.