October 15, 2021

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg MB - NDP MLA for St. Vital Jamie Moses celebrated the passage of his first bill in the Legislature, Bill 232 The Emancipation Day Act, alongside members of Manitoba’s Black community.

“Black people in Canada have a long and proud history and that history doesn't happen without Emancipation Day. Those stories don't exist if we're not all free. Emancipation Day is an opportunity to reflect on Black people’s journey to freedom, and how much more work must be done to build a more equitable Manitoba.”

Moses’ bill would set aside August 1st of every year as Emancipation Day. It marks the day in 1834 the Slavery Abolition Act took effect in the British Empire—a significant step towards the end of slavery and the beginning of a long journey towards civil and economic equality for Black people in Canada.

“I put forward this bill on behalf of a strong and vibrant community of Black people in Manitoba, and I’m honoured to be the first Black man in Manitoba’s history to have a bill in my name pass,” said Moses. “My hope is Emancipation Day can be used to reflect on the contributions and achievements of Black Manitobans, their role in our province’s history and the opportunities to education Manitobans and create a more equitable future for all.”