Statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on Emancipation Day

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown made the following statement marking the anniversary of Emancipation Day:  

“Today, we commemorate the anniversary of the enactment of the British Imperial Act, known as Emancipation Day. Inspired in large part by the heroic actions of William Wilberforce, the British Parliament voted in 1834 to abolish slavery in most of the British Empire.

This day recognizes the lives of those who were enslaved and oppressed. It also provides us an opportunity to remember an historic event, which displays our commitment to freedom and human rights. Critically, the passage of the British Imperial Act made Ontario a beacon of freedom and hope, and launched the “Underground Railroad,” from which escaping slaves found their way to Ontario, and freedom. 

I would like to commend my colleague MPP Ted Arnott for co-sponsoring the Private Members’ Bill which recognizes the first of August as Emancipation Day in Ontario

I am pleased to join the Black Canadian community and all Ontarians in marking this important day in our history.”