Federal government to formally apologize to relatives of No. 2 Construction Battalion
The federal authorities will formally apologize to descendants and family members of the boys of the No. 2 Building Battalion this afternoon, 106 years after the formation of the historic battalion which confronted anti-Black racism throughout the First World Warfare.
The Nova Scotia-based battalion was the first military unit in Canada made up of mostly Black personnel. The battalion was primarily utilized in non-combat conditions to clear bushes, construct roads, and preserve railway tracks.
Anita Anand, the minister of nationwide defence, and Frances Allen, vice-chief of the defence workers lieutenant-general, and members of the nationwide apology advisory committee will attend the occasion in Truro, N.S.
The occasion begins as we speak with a parade at 12:30 p.m. AT and a ceremony to comply with at Truro’s Novice Athletics Membership — the identical space the place the No. 2 Building Battalion would have skilled.
“No phrases can ever make up for these historic wrongs, and we’re dedicated to studying from this historical past to constructing a extra inclusive Canadian Armed Forces and to attracting gifted individuals to the navy who mirror Canada’s range,” Anand instructed CBC’s Data Morning host Portia Clark on Friday.
Data Morning – NS8:21Canada’s defence minister on nationwide apology to the No. 2 Building Battalion
Anita Anand will characterize the Trudeau authorities in Truro, on the federal authorities’s official apology to descendants and members of the No. 2 Building Battalion. Along with being the Minister of Nationwide Defence, she additionally grew up in Kentville. Hear her interview.
She mentioned the federal authorities is implementing range and inclusion coaching inside the Canadian Armed Forces, surveys to handle harassment and discrimination, and created an anti-racism panel that outlined 13 areas to handle discrimination.
“We have to ensure that we’re constructing a Canadian Armed Forces the place everybody who places on a uniform can serve in a protected, revered and guarded method,” Anand mentioned.
“It is a problem, particularly in as we speak’s polarized setting, nevertheless it is a matter that we’re taking very significantly to ensure that we have now an armed forces the place equality and non-discrimination and equal therapy writ giant characterises the establishment.”
Significant motion
However some anti-racism activists and descendants of battalion members hope the federal authorities will transcend a proper apology and take “significant motion” to do extra for Black communities, by enhancing Black well being and wellness, training, and financial and employment alternatives.
Nova Scotia’s Black Cultural Centre, with the federal authorities, developed a database to assist establish members of the battalion and their descendants.
Folks from Canada, america, Barbados and the West Indies with ties to the battalion are anticipated to journey to Truro.
For extra tales in regards to the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success tales inside the Black neighborhood — try Being Black in Canada, a CBC venture Black Canadians will be pleased with. You possibly can learn extra tales right here.
