August 1 2025
On this Emancipation Day, the National Union of General and Public Employees (NUPGE) reflects on Canada’s history of slavery, honours those who resisted and fought for freedom, and reaffirms its commitment to justice and equity in the face of growing backlash against anti-racism efforts.
On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire, ending the legal enslavement of people of African descent—including here in Canada. For over 200 years, slavery inflicted violence, exploitation, and profound suffering on generations of Black people. Emancipation Day reminds us that freedom was fought for and won through the courage and resistance of enslaved people, the relentless efforts of abolitionists, and the commitment of generations who joined the movements for justice and dignity.
“As a Black Canadian and a union leader, I know that the fight for justice and equality is deeply personal and profoundly collective,” said NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer Jason MacLean. “Our ancestors fought for freedom with unimaginable sacrifice and incredible determination, and showed us the way. Honouring their legacy means standing up fearlessly against discrimination in all its forms, especially now as powerful forces work to roll back hard-won progress. This is the time to unite and resist – not retreat.”
After decades of advocacy, Canada officially recognized Emancipation Day in 2021, acknowledging its central place in our shared history. Yet today progress is under attack. The growing backlash against recognizing the reality of anti-Black racism -coupled with campaigns against inclusion and dignity for everyone- threatens to undo the modest steps forward we had started to make together, and to silence the truths we had only begun to face.
“Emancipation Day is not just a moment to remember history – it is also a call to action,” said Bert Blundon, President of NUPGE. “We have a responsibility as a union to confront the legacies of slavery and systemic racism, to educate ourselves as union members, and to uphold our values of solidarity and equity despite intense attacks. Freedom without justice is unfinished work – and we still have work to do.”
On Emancipation Day, let’s recognize Canada’s full history, including the realities of slavery and systemic racism; work to actively promote equity and dignity for all in our workplaces and our communities; and reject efforts to undermine anti-racism initiatives in Canada.
NUPGE is committed to continuing to build worker solidarity and more inclusive communities.