On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire
EMANCIPATION DAY
Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.
From health to housing to opportunities for advancement, Black individuals and racialized communities face barriers rooted in anti-Black racism. And Black women, girls, and gender-diverse people face higher rates of workplace and housing discrimination, pay inequity, and criminalization than other groups of people.
August 1st, is a day to celebrate, educate, and reflect on what freedom means.
Never be silent, stand up, speak up to defend freedom. Freedom deserves a fight and every fight deserves freedom. Freedom is never given; it is won.
The Struggle continues.
In Solidarity
Qaiser Maroof
President
CUPW Toronto Local
29 July,2022
