August 1 is Emancipation Day.
On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect, which laid a pathway to freeing enslaved people in British colonies across the globe, including here in Canada.
Acknowledging Emancipation Day does not mean equity and equality have been achieved. Rather, it is the recognition of African Canadian history as an important part of Canada’s story, serving as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of this shameful and often ignored reality of slavery and settler-colonialism.
In his book, Canada’s Forgotten Slaves: Two Hundred Years of Bondage, Quebec historian Marcel Trudel estimated approximately 4,200 people of African and other descents were enslaved in Canada’s Nouvelle France, and later in Upper and Lower Canada, between 1671 and 1831.
While currently only recognized in Ontario, Emancipation Day should be recognized throughout the country, given the profound importance of commemorating the day Canada rejected slavery.
Today, we affirm Unifor’s demand for racial justice, and welcome this opportunity to reflect on the steps we have taken to promote racial justice in the workplace, and to end harassment and discrimination of every kind.
Our work is far from over. Unifor will continue to bargain, advocate, and support work to eradicate racism in Canada. We are committed to learning about and highlighting the contributions of Black and Indigenous peoples – contributions that must be recognized and celebrated.
Unifor pledges to continue our work to defend human rights, to advance social and economic justice, and to uphold the principles found in the UN resolution which proclaimed 2015 to 2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent and the commitments in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Within our union, that means providing education and training, electing Black and Indigenous people into leadership roles at all levels, deepening our anti-discrimination work, and bargaining equity programs that support the hiring, retention and advancement of Black and Indigenous peoples, and Workers of Colour.
We must also remain vigilant in examining our own attitudes, beliefs and understandings, and expanding our solidarity with social justice movements that are actively working to dismantle racism.
To mark this year’s Emancipation Day, Unifor has designed a new fan, poster and social media graphic to send the important message that racial justice is an everyday fight.
And part of the fight is creating community and solidarity.
We are encouraging all members to show support for Emancipation Day events being hosted in their communities.
In Toronto, members can attend the 11th annual Underground Freedom Train on July 31, 2024, at Union Station skating rink. The ceremony begins at 10:00 p.m. before attendees board the train and depart for Downsview station.
The Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history and a recognition of Emancipation Day and may include poetry readings, musical entertainment, networking, and special activities.
We are asking Unifor members to pledge their commitments to racial justice by sending your photos to communications@unifor.org and posting them on social media with the hashtag #Unifor4RacialJustice.
Read this statement on our website.