MPs Unanimously Vote to Declare Aug. 1 Emancipation Day

MPs in the House of Commons have voted unanimously to designate Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day across Canada.

The motion drew 335 votes in favour on Wednesday, with no abstentions or nay votes.

The date marks the anniversary of when Britain’s Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire in 1834.

“Recognizing Emancipation Day at the federal level is a step forward in acknowledging the multi-generational harms caused by slavery and recognizing the heritage of people of African descent in Canada and the many contributions they have made and continue to make,” said Emelyana Titarenko, the spokesperson for Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth Bardish Chagger.

The motion was introduced by the Liberal MP for Richmond Hill, Majid Jowhari. It also called on the federal government to recognize “the heritage of Canada’s people of African descent and the contributions they have made and continue to make to Canada.”

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