Emancipation Day: A Canadian Reflection on Juneteenth and Our History of Enslavement

Written by: Avery Francis, Founder and CEO, Bloom

As a Canadian, reflecting on Juneteenth brings to mind our own significant day of remembrance: Emancipation Day.

On March 24, 2021, Canada’s House of Commons voted to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day. This day marks the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which ended slavery in the British Empire on August 1st, 1834. It began the process toward freedom for over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America.

Unfortunately, like Juneteenth, the Act only resulted in partial liberation. The Slavery Abolition Act freed children under six, but many were forced to continue serving their former owners for four to six years as apprentices. Despite its limitations, the Act established Canada as a free territory for enslaved African Americans, prompting thousands to migrate here between 1834 and the early 1860s.

As Canadians, we often distance ourselves from anti-Black racism, comparing ourselves to folks south of the border and thinking we aren't "that bad." However, the lack of awareness or observance of Emancipation Day on August 1st is a stark reminder that we have our own history to confront.

So while many American companies with offices in Canada might celebrate Juneteenth, Canadian companies can — and should — celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1st.

Interested in learning more about Canada’s history of enslavement and anti-Black racism? Bloom offers specific training that explores Canada’s unique relationship with anti-Blackness, enslavement, and reconciliation.

PS: Juneteenth is an American holiday — Canadians, we have Emancipation Day. In March 2021, the Canadian House of Commons voted unanimously on a motion to recognize 1 August as Emancipation Day across Canada.