Manitoba sets aside Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day
Manitoba has officially set aside August 1 as 'Emancipation Day' for Manitobans to reflect on slavery in Canada.
Jamie Moses, NDP MLA for St. Vital, celebrated the passage of his Emancipation Day Act bill in the Manitoba Legislature on Friday.
August 1 marks the day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act took effect in the British Empire. Moses said he hopes Emancipation Day will be joyous and a day for reflection.
"So that all Manitobans can celebrate in the joy of Emancipation Day and make sure that they're taking that opportunity to make our communities better," Moses said.
The local community hopes it helps shed light on slavery in Canada and leads to a more inclusive future.
"It is going to be about hope. It is going to be about education. It is going to be about enhancing multiculturalism, and it's going to be about creating a broader path to reconciliation for all of us in Manitoba," said Segun Olunde, a community activist.
Black History Manitoba hopes the day also pushes the province to take another look at its policies, and the way the history of slavery in Canada is taught in schools.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.