Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Ontario Black History Society's Brunch to Launch Black History Month

Toronto, Ontario
January 27, 2008

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be with you today to launch this year' s Black History Month.

Let me begin by congratulating the Ontario Black History Society on your 30 th anniversary. For three decades, your organization has done an outstanding job of highlighting the many ways in which black culture has contributed to the strength of our communities and our shared Canadian identity.

Your efforts – including encouraging the City of Toronto to formally celebrate Black History Month – have helped preserve and promote an important part of this country' s diverse heritage.

Canada has observed Black History Month since 1995, and the 2008 theme is linked to the 175 th anniversary of the British Imperial Act of 1833, an Act for the abolition of slavery throughout the British colonies. This legislation was key to ending slavery throughout the Empire.

As you are no doubt aware, this anniversary follows closely on the bicentenary of the passing of the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, or the Slave Trade Act. In commemorating these historical events back-to-back, we have an excellent opportunity to examine the period that led from the prohibition of trafficking in slaves to the actual abolition of slavery itself.

On March 25, 1807, the Slave Trade Act received Royal Assent and became law, representing an important step towards the subsequent abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.

Twenty-six years later, in 1833, the slavery abolition Act made this vile practice illegal.

Interestingly, Canada was a pioneer in this process. Even before the 1807 Act was passed, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe persuaded the legislature of Upper Canada to pass the Anti-Slavery Act in 1793.

This legislation freed slaves aged 25 and over and made it illegal to bring them into Upper Canada. It set the stage for Canada to become a safe haven for slaves fleeing the cruel conditions in the United States.

From 1800 to 1865, approximately 20,000 black people escaped to Canada through the Underground Railroad.

Since that time, Canadians of African and Caribbean origin – from all walks of life – have contributed greatly to our country, one of whom we lost just before Christmas.

Jazz icon Oscar Peterson was a great Canadian who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada for his many accomplishments. His legacy is not only his tremendous contribution to jazz music, but also his commitment to promoting equality of people of all backgrounds. Oscar Peterson was a respected and inspiring citizen of the world, and we are fortunate to be able to have him as our own.

Today, the Underground Railroad, that secret network of abolitionists who provided assistance to the black people escaping slavery, is a tremendously powerful symbol of freedom.

Black History Month is an excellent opportunity for Canadians to learn about the experiences and contributions of black Canadians and the vital role this community has played throughout our history.

And the work done by the Ontario Black History Society allows us to do just that.

As the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, and on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I want to express my appreciation to you for documenting such an important part of Canada' s rich heritage.

Thank you.