Canada: The No. 2 construction battalion in Truro, Nova Scotia receives a lengthy apology by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 9.
In 1916 a separate unit called the First World War Battalion was established. The battalion, in the prime minister's words, "refused to give up hope" despite the fact that black men who wanted to enlist were told that "this is a white man's war."
They formed the first and only all-black battalion in Canadian military history because they were true heroes who wanted to serve. They formed a group and pressured government and military leaders to allow them to serve and protect their country, saying they were not welcome.
Trudeau's apology addressed the appalling treatment of these soldiers by the government, as well as the suffering of their families, descendants and communities. His message centered on the understanding that "Volunteering to fight for one's country is one of the most selfless acts a person can do; it is an act of extraordinary bravery, honor, sacrifice and loyalty." He acknowledged that these people were dehumanized in life and death by anti-black prejudice and systemic racism.
Finally, more than a century later, he apologized on behalf of all Canadians.
All Canadians should be proud of the families, supporters and organizers of the official apology. The history underlining the valor, contribution and sacrifice of No. 2 Nirman Battalion has begun to improve. They achieved this by laying the groundwork for addressing historical injustices and forging a more just future. However, this work cannot end here.
Even though the apology was heartfelt and important, the prime minister and government needed to answer an important question: Will they really act to give these soldiers the same respect as their white counterparts? Decisive action is needed to end the persistent systemic racism and discrimination against Black Canadians in our government institutions. Even the Prime Minister acknowledged that the apology is just the beginning, adding that unless the truth of the past is acknowledged, it will not be possible to heal the wounds of the past.
According to data provided by the government, there are many issues affecting the black community in Canada. In the legal system, the Toronto Police Service recently acknowledged its role in the many years of systemic discrimination against black people in Toronto and issued an apology. Health Canada studies often show the many health issues that lead to systemic racism in our black community.
Many black people still struggle financially today because of the lack of opportunities for advancement in their organizations, both in the public and private sectors. Ironically, hundreds of black members of our Canadian Armed Forces have reported instances of racism and discrimination while Trudeau and Defense Minister Anita Anand were delivering this historic apology.
While it is important to acknowledge the contribution of black people to Canadian society, we run the risk of being held back if we simply acknowledge systemic racism and discrimination without taking concrete steps to address it. A hollow apology only serves to undermine the foundation and values of our wonderful, multi-ethnic nation.
With his apology, Prime Minister Trudeau took the first step; Now they have to take concrete steps to restore the dignity of death of these jawans. 2 Construction Battalion For your safety to continue, the black community in Canada must be strengthened through pensions, benefits and ongoing engagement.
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