Emancipation Day in Clarington about confronting the “terrible history’ of slavery

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster said Emancipation Day is about confronting the “terrible history” of slavery in Canada.

Emancipation Day commemorates the Slavery Abolition Act, which took effect on August 1, 1834, and opened the “path to freedom” by ending slavery in Canada and across the British Commonwealth.

“Today, we confront the terrible history of slavery of Black and Indigenous peoples in Canada. This horrific legacy has had an intergenerational impact on people in our community and across the country.”

Foster said the municipality works closely with staff, the Diversity Advisory Committee and the Anti-Black Racism Taskforce on anti-discrimination efforts and have made some progress – citing the 2024-27 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy and the awarding of the first Diversity Leadership Bursary – but said there is “still much work to be done.”

“In Clarington, we are committed to addressing and eliminating hate, systemic racism, and discrimination. We are proud to be a welcoming and diverse community where everyone can live, work, and thrive.”