Speeches – 2008
The Honourable Jason Kenney
Event on Parliament Hill to Launch Black History Month
Ottawa, Ontario, February 7, 2008
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to be with you today to launch Black History Month in Canada.
The Government of Canada has chosen as its theme for 2008 the 175th 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.
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, which was passed in 1807 and represented another milestone leading to the abolition of slavery.
Interestingly, Canada was a pioneer in the abolition 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 origin – from all walks of life – have contributed greatly to our country.
Individuals such as:
- Lincoln Alexander, the first black Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister,
- My friend and colleague, Senator Donald Oliver,
- And, the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada.
And of course, individuals such as one we lost just last Christmas. Jazz icon Oscar Peterson was a great Canadian who was made 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 call him 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.
Canada was the Railroad' s North Star. And for that reason, it is the focus of the Government of Canada' s activities commemorating this year' s Black History Month.
For example, ' Follow the North Star' is a musical showcase being presented in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It tells how Canadians worked together to conquer slavery in Canada and how we continue to work to build a harmonious and integrated Canadian society.
Another interesting activity commemorating Black History Month is the photo exhibit "On the Road North: Black Canada and the Journey to Freedom," displayed here today. I recently had the honour of opening the exhibit at Library and Archives Canada, and I highly recommend it.
The photos depict people, places and events related to the black community that have been designated by the Government of Canada as being of national historical significance.
This exhibit is also available online at the virtualmuseum.ca website. This means that Canadians across the country, and indeed, people around the world have the opportunity to learn of the experiences and contributions of Canadians of African heritage to our society.
Throughout Black History Month, events are being held across the country to celebrate the many achievements of Canada' s black community. I am looking forward to participating in as many of them as possible, and I would encourage you to do the same.
Whether by attending community events, or perhaps engaging in discussions with colleagues who are part of the black community, I hope that all Canadians will take the time to learn more about a community that has contributed immensely to our country' s heritage and our shared history.
Thank you.