Unanimous Support: August 1st is Emancipation Day | Mar 24, 2021

It was an honour to stand in the House with Parliamentarians from all parties to unanimously support formally recognizing August 1st as Emancipation Day in Canada.

We have come a long way from that day in 1834 when slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is essential that we know and understand the past. Emancipation came at a great cost and left a gaping wound long in the healing.

It is as important that we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Canadians of African descent to our “Canadian tapestry”. Not only those who choose Canada today, but those who came to our shores as early pioneers via the Underground Railway. We are all richer for their contributions. (with credit and thanks to local historian Elise Harding Davis).

Chris Lewis MP - Essex

Constituency Office

Ottawa Office