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“Black history is not just for Black people – Black history is Canadian history.”
On August 1, Emancipation Day, Unifor recognizes this powerful quote from Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to serve as an MP and recipient of Unifor’s Nelson Mandela Award, that serves as an important reminder that historical change cannot take place without collective action, backed by solidarity, unity and mobilization.
The House of Commons voted unanimously on March 24, 2021, to officially designate the first day of August as Emancipation Day in Canada. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect, which laid a pathway to freeing enslaved people in British colonies across the globe and here in Canada.
We pause to honor the historic end of slavery and reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and freedom. This day marks more than a chapter in our history—it is a call to action, a reminder of the resilience of those who fought for liberation, and a recognition of the work still ahead of us.
On Emancipation Day, we reflect on the significant strides made towards freedom and equality in Canada, while acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by Black and Indigenous communities against the remnants of systemic oppression and inequity.
True freedom includes economic justice, dignity at work, and the right to organize without fear. The fight against exploitation—whether in the form of slavery, wage theft, or unsafe working conditions—has always been intertwined with the labour movement.
We must leverage our collective strength and solidarity to advocate for policy changes, support social justice initiatives, and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. Let us renew our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable society where every individual is truly free and has the opportunity to thrive.
Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada. On this day, Canadians are invited to educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
To mark this year’s Emancipation Day on Aug. 1, Unifor has created a new fan, poster and shareables.
We invite Unifor members to pledge their commitments to racial justice by sharing your photos and thoughts on social media with the hashtag #Unifor4RacialJustice.
Please see the list below for a list of Emancipation Day events:
Durham Region
July 20, 2025
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Esplanade Park
1 The Esplanade, Pickering, Ont.
https://yourvoice.durham.ca/durham-region-emancipation-day-celebration
Cambridge, Ont.
July 26, 2025
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Soper Park
120 Shade St.
Free admission
https://www.rhythmbluescambridge.com/inaugural-emancipation-celebration-2-1
London, Ont.
July 27, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
1424 Clarke Rd.
https://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca/events/emancipation-day-celebration
Toronto
Freedom Train
July 31, 2025
10 p.m.
Union Station
https://blackhurstcc.org/emancipation-day-underground-freedom-train-ride/
Hamilton, Ont.
Aug. 1, 2025
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
City Hall
71 Main St. W.
Ottawa – flag raising ceremony
Aug. 1, 2025
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
City Hall – Nelson Mandela Square
110 Laurier Ave. W.
Owen Sound, Ont.
Aug. 2, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Harrison Park
75 2nd Ave. E.
https://www.emancipation.ca/events-2
Brampton, Ont.
Aug. 4, 2025
1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chinguacousy Park
9050 Bramalea Rd.
Free admission
https://jambana.com/
Oakville, Ont.
Aug. 4, 2025
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Oakville Museum
8 Navy St.
https://ccah.ca/event/emancipation-day/
