CBTU-Canada Statement on The International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade

March 25th is observed by the United Nations as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Between the 15^th and 19^th centuries, millions of Africans were taken against their will, chained in the belly of thousands of ships, forcibly removed from their homeland and brought to Canada and other countries as slaves. Many did not survive the journey and their bodies were simply thrown overboard. For those who survived, generations of atrocities followed. Africans were recognized as cattle under the law, sold into slavery and became the property of the purchaser.

Slavery was abolished in Canada in 1833, however, African Canadians continued to face years of segregation. Today African Canadians continue to struggle with anti-black racism of which the CBTU views as a residual effect of Canada’s role in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Because of advances made through Canada’s civil rights movement, today’s Black Lives Matter movement and the work of many Community and Labour organizations, African Canadians have made some progress towards achieving equity in Canada. However, there is much more work ahead of us.

Carding, racial profiling, mass incarceration and over representation within the Children’s Aid Society are some of the struggles CBTU views as a domino effect of Canada’s role in the slave trade.

The objectives of the CBTU are reflected in our mission statement. Those objectives include: the improvement of economic development and employment opportunities for workers of African-Descent, as well as the promotion of access and the opening of doors for black workers and workers of colour within the Labour Movement.

CBTU-Canada is encouraged by the number of workers of African descent that attended our recent Black History Month event entitled “Empowering Our Community: Politicizing Our Struggles”. The attendees at that event identified Criminal Justice, Anti-Black Racism and the lack of African Canadian leadership in Politics and throughout Union Leadership as priorities for CBTU Canada.

CBTU-Canada is an organization that is independent of any political party or candidate. As such CBTU-Canada, in line with our mission statement, continues to motivate, encourage and support CBTU members of African-descent and CBTU members of colour who share the values of CBTU and seek to be elected to leadership positions.

CBTU-Canada does and will continue to work towards the creation of a more just and fair society by working in coalition with organized Labour and other allies whose mission is consistent with those objectives.

Join the struggle – Join CBTU!

PDF Version of This Statement

Latest posts

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