January 30 2026

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in Canada and around the globe. This month is an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and reflect on the stories, the successes, and the resistances of Black people in Canada and beyond. The recognition of Black History Week (and later Black History Month) in Canadian society is largely attributed to Black Sleeping Car Porters. Their constant travel across the border between the United States and Canada meant the significance of these days could be brought back from the U.S. to Black communities in Canada, who quickly adopted the practice.

Often, especially in comparison with our neighbors to the south, Canadians believe anti-Black racism doesn’t exist. This is a myth that ignores the history of enslavement, systemic oppression, environmental racism, police brutality, and the exclusion of Black people in the workplace in Canada since the country’s inception. This myth also detracts from the reality of Black influence in every aspect of society.

Black lives, people, histories, communities, culture, joy, and power matter every day of the year. NUPGE is proud to challenge anti-Black racism and is committed to supporting Black members, workers, and communities through its work.