The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada Statement on the Trump Administration’s US Travel Ban on Muslims From Seven Predominately Muslim Countries

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canadian Chapter stands with all those affected by the recent United States Travel and immigration ban on immigrants from seven predominately Muslim countries. CBTU believes that apart from our indigenous peoples, Canada is a nation of immigrants and their descendants. As such, the decision of the Trump Administration to deny the entry into the United States of immigrants fleeing violence based on their country of origin goes against the core values of The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canadian Chapter. Among our core values is our belief that there is no place in modern day society for things like anti-black racism, misogyny, xenophobia and islamophobia. Considering that the overwhelming majority of Muslims around the world are people of colour. We believe that each of these and more can be found to some degree at the roots of the Trump Administration’s travel ban on immigrants from several predominantly Muslim countries.

Refusing entry to citizens fleeing conflict and persecution can only serve to exacerbate what is already a grave humanitarian crisis.

The well-established policy of welcoming those fleeing conflict and persecution has saved countless civilian lives around the world and strengthened countless societies across the globe.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canadian Chapter has in the past and continues to stand against all forms of racial injustice and racial profiling. As such, CBTU Canada stands against what we see as a global form of racial profiling by the Trump Administration. Belonging to a specific race, creed, religion or being a citizen of a specific country does not in our view constitute a threat to society. It is further our view that there is no place in Canadian society for divisive laws and policies like this.

That is why the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in Canada calls upon The Canadian Government to stand against the United States travel ban on Muslims while actively engaging the United States Government to reverse the ban. We further call upon The Canadian Government to stand up for the rights of all Canadians on this issue and to support the thousands of refugees now in limbo because of the U.S. travel ban regardless of their country of origin. In addition, the CBTU calls upon Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to engage President Donald Trump on the full reinstatement of the U.S. resettlement program regardless of the refugee’s country of origin.

Finally, we call upon the The Canadian Government to work with and support organizations around the world that uphold the civil liberties of all.

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UNITED NATIONS (UN) INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT

August 31, 2026

Today, August 31, we join people around the world in recognizing the United Nations’ International Day for People of African Descent.

Today is a day to celebrate our history, resilience, achievements and contributions. But it is also a day to confront history honestly.

For the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada, recognition must be accompanied by truth, accountability and action.

Canada has a history connected to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the institution of slavery. That history must be acknowledged—not to assign guilt to Canadians today, but to recognize the truth of what happened and understand its continuing consequences.

That is why CBTU Canada launched its campaign calling on the Government of Canada to formally acknowledge Canada’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and issue a federal apology.

An apology cannot undo the past. But it can acknowledge the truth, honour those who suffered, and help establish a foundation for meaningful reconciliation and justice.

The United Nations has made clear that the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade demands recognition, justice and action.

Nations have a responsibility to ensure the full and equal treatment, dignity and protection of people of African descent in the societies and countries they have profoundly contributed to building and developing economically. This responsibility includes strengthening laws, policies and institutions to eliminate the racial discrimination, inequality and systemic barriers that continue to affect people of African descent, including in countries where they were brought through enslavement, forced migration or other forms of coercion. Recognition of these contributions must be accompanied by concrete measures to protect human rights, advance equality and address the enduring consequences of racial injustice.

Canada should not stand outside that conversation.

On this International Day for People of African Descent, CBTU Canada renews its call:

Canada must recognize its history.
Canada must acknowledge its responsibility.
Canada must apologize.

Remembering must lead to recognition.
Recognition must lead to accountability.
And accountability must lead to action.

CBTU Canada remains committed to the campaign for recognition, justice and an official federal apology.

In solidarity

The Executive Board of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition — August 23

(Le français suit / French follows…)

August 23 is more than a date. It is a day to remember the courage, resistance and determination of those who challenged a system built on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and their descendants.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition reminds us that history is not simply something to be remembered; it is something that continues to shape the societies we live in today. The legacy of slavery is reflected in the institutions, policies, inequalities and experiences that continue to affect Black communities.

Remembrance must therefore be accompanied by recognition, accountability and action. Honouring those who resisted slavery means confronting the historical realities that continue to influence the present and ensuring that future generations inherit a more just society.

This is why the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists–Canada continues to call on the Government of Canada to acknowledge its role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and to issue a formal federal apology. Our national apology campaign is part of a broader effort to advance recognition, accountability and reparatory justice.

On August 23rd, we remember those who endured. We honour those who resisted. And we recommit ourselves to the work of building a future grounded in justice, equality and dignity for all.

In remembrance. In recognition. In action.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Executive Board