Maritime provinces recognize Emancipation Day on Friday
CTV News01-08-2025
Aug. 1 is Emancipation Day, a day to recognize Britain's abolition of slavery across its empire in 1834.
Nova Scotia designated Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day on April 13, 2021.
In a news release from the province, Nova Scotia says it 'acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of the transatlantic slave trade on people of African descent and African Nova Scotians.'
'Emancipation Day is a time to remember, reflect and recommit,' said Premier Tim Houston. 'It reminds us of the resilience of people of African descent and African Nova Scotians and challenges us to strengthen inclusion, justice and equity across our province.'
The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect in 1834 and freed roughly 800,000 enslaved people of African descent throughout British colonies.
A series of events are being held to honour Emancipation Day, with this year's theme being: 'Habouring Freedom: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.'
A flag raising took place at Province House at 9 a.m. on Friday and a reception on the Halifax waterfront is scheduled for at 11 a.m., which will be livestreamed.
There will also be community gatherings across the province.
Twila Grosse
Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs speaks at Emancipation Day flag raising ceremony. (CTV Atlantic/Paul DeWitt)
'On the Halifax waterfront, the Atlantic once carried enslaved African people to our shores and later carried 1,200 Black Loyalists seeking freedom in Sierra Leone,' Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs said. 'Those waters held pain and injustice, but also resilience and hope. Emancipation Day reminds us that we must confront racism and continue the work of building a more just future.'
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz shared a statement to recognize Emancipation Day saying, 'Today is Emancipation Day, a day to recognize the strength, resilience and perseverance of Black communities in P.E.I. and across the country. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery in Canada on Aug. 1, 1834, and is a day to celebrate the contributions of Black communities in Canada and in our province.'
A celebration is taking place in Charlottetown's Rochford Square from 5 to 8 p.m.
'The Government of PEI remains committed to its Anti-Racism Action Plan and continues to offer Anti-Racism Grants and Anti-Racism Microgrants to assist with projects that benefit racialized and Indigenous communities,' Lantz statement continues.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Nova Scotia designated Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day on April 13, 2021.
In a news release from the province, Nova Scotia says it 'acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of the transatlantic slave trade on people of African descent and African Nova Scotians.'
'Emancipation Day is a time to remember, reflect and recommit,' said Premier Tim Houston. 'It reminds us of the resilience of people of African descent and African Nova Scotians and challenges us to strengthen inclusion, justice and equity across our province.'
The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect in 1834 and freed roughly 800,000 enslaved people of African descent throughout British colonies.
A series of events are being held to honour Emancipation Day, with this year's theme being: 'Habouring Freedom: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.'
A flag raising took place at Province House at 9 a.m. on Friday and a reception on the Halifax waterfront is scheduled for at 11 a.m., which will be livestreamed.
There will also be community gatherings across the province.
Twila Grosse
Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs speaks at Emancipation Day flag raising ceremony. (CTV Atlantic/Paul DeWitt)
'On the Halifax waterfront, the Atlantic once carried enslaved African people to our shores and later carried 1,200 Black Loyalists seeking freedom in Sierra Leone,' Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs said. 'Those waters held pain and injustice, but also resilience and hope. Emancipation Day reminds us that we must confront racism and continue the work of building a more just future.'
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz shared a statement to recognize Emancipation Day saying, 'Today is Emancipation Day, a day to recognize the strength, resilience and perseverance of Black communities in P.E.I. and across the country. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery in Canada on Aug. 1, 1834, and is a day to celebrate the contributions of Black communities in Canada and in our province.'
A celebration is taking place in Charlottetown's Rochford Square from 5 to 8 p.m.
'The Government of PEI remains committed to its Anti-Racism Action Plan and continues to offer Anti-Racism Grants and Anti-Racism Microgrants to assist with projects that benefit racialized and Indigenous communities,' Lantz statement continues.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
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