Emancipation Day is the day when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 became law across the British Empire, including Canada. On August 1, 1834, the practice of slavery officially ended for millions of African people and their descendants in Canada and around the world.
On March 24, 2021, members of parliament unanimously voted to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada. Every year, on the first day of August, we are invited to reflect, educate, and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.