Issue 112 – 26, July 26, 2026
Emancipation Day August 1st
Remembering Emancipation Day helps us reflect on the importance of freedom and the need to treat everyone with respect. It reminds us that fighting against racism and discrimination is an ongoing effort. By understanding our past and working together, we can build a better, more just society for everyone.
Every year on August 1st, Canadians observe Emancipation Day. But many people do not know that slavery was once part of our country's history. Slavery is when people are bought and sold like property and are forced to work without being paid. This happened to Black Africans in Canada about 200 years ago.
In 1833, the British Parliament, which was the government of Britain, passed a law called the Slavery Abolition Act. This law made slavery illegal in most parts of the British Empire, including what is now Canada. The law officially took effect on August 1, 1834. That day is now remembered as Emancipation Day.
When slavery was made illegal, some enslaved people were freed right away. However, not everyone was free immediately. Only children under six were freed. Older enslaved people had to continue working as "apprentices" without pay for several more years. It was a long process of fighting for freedom.
Many millions of Africans were taken from their homes and forced onto ships to be sold as slaves. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was very dangerous. Sadly, more than 2 million Africans died during the trip. Once they arrived in North America, they had to work in fields, homes, and factories. Enslaved Africans had to change their names, stop speaking their native languages, and forget their cultures. They were treated as property, bought and sold like objects.
Slavery in Canada started in the early 1600s, in an area called New France, which is now parts of Quebec and Ontario. Most of the enslaved people were Africans from places like Madagascar and Guinea. When the British took control of Canada in 1760, slavery continued. Many enslaved Africans arrived in Canada because of Loyalists—people loyal to Britain during the American Revolution. By the late 1700s, thousands of Black people in Canada worked as domestic servants, laborers, and farmers.
Some enslaved people resisted slavery. They ran away to places where slavery was forbidden, like Vermont and New York. Others fought back or tried to escape. Over time, many Canadians and leaders wanted to end slavery. Laws were passed to limit slavery, starting in 1793. Although slavery was not immediately abolished, these laws were important steps toward freedom.
Finally, in 1834, the British government officially abolished slavery everywhere in the British Empire, including Canada. This was a big victory for human rights and freedom. Today, Canadians remember this history and work to fight racism and discrimination.
Although slavery is a painful part of Canada's past, it is also a story of courage and resistance. Every August 1st, we remember Emancipation Day and think about how we can build a society where everyone is treated fairly and equally.
The Canadian government can do more to recognize this part of our history. Here are some actions they should take:
1. Giving an Explanation:
The government should explain why Canada did not support a recent United Nations resolution that called slavery a crime against humanity. It is important to understand why Canada chose not to support this resolution.
2. Officially Acknowledging the Past:
Canada should openly admit and recognize its history of slavery and the suffering it caused to Black people. Being honest about this history is an important step toward healing.
3. Issuing a Formal Apology:
The government should apologize to Black Canadians and their communities for the wrongs of slavery and discrimination. An official apology shows that Canada understands the pain caused and wants to make things right.
4. Working with Black Communities:
The government should partner with Black communities to help fix inequalities that still exist today. This includes creating programs and policies to support Black Canadians and promote fairness and equality.
Read more - Letter to the Prime Minister: Call for federal acknowledgement and apology for Canada's role in the trafficking of enslaved Africans | Canadian Labour Congress Read more - Canada must reckon with its role in the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans - Coalition of Black Trade Unionists | Ontario Canada Chapter
Read more - Emancipation Day — August 1 - Canada.ca
Changes to Health Care Funding in Canada Could Reduce Billions of Dollars for Provinces and Territories
This White Paper was presented to attending Premiers at a meeting with the CFNU during the Council of the Federation, this past week in Prince Edward Island.
The white paper was written by Andrew Longhurst, Senior Researcher and Political Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Nate Little, Government and External Relations Officer at the CFNU. This white paper details how looming changes to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) will result in significantly less health care funding for provinces and territories. The paper provides a historic perspective of the CHT escalator, outlines the changes to come in 2027-2028, and analyses projections of the CHT escalator using current and upcoming policy changes. Analysis found that with an average growth rate of 3.8% annually, the cumulative CHT will be $51.8 billion less over 10 years than if the escalator remained at 5% annual growth.
The new report warns that upcoming changes to how Canada funds health care could lead to much less money for provinces and territories over the next ten years. This could make it harder for health systems to work properly and meet the needs of Canadians.
The Canada Health Transfer (CHT) is the main way the federal government provides money to provinces and territories for health care. Over the years, the federal government has increased this funding by a certain percentage each year to help keep up with rising health care costs.
From 2023 to 2028, the federal government promised to increase the CHT by 5% each year. But starting in 2028, if nothing changes, the growth will slow down to about 3.8% a year, based on how the economy grows.
Canada already faces many health care challenges. About 1 in 5 Canadians can't see a family doctor, and there are thousands of nursing and other jobs that are vacant. Shortages of health workers are getting worse, and demand for health care is growing. Less federal funding could make these problems worse, leading to more wait times and less access to care.
The report recommends that the Prime Minister and leaders from all provinces and territories meet to discuss the future of health care funding. They should decide whether to keep increasing the CHT by at least 5% each year or try to restore the previous 6% growth rate. The goal is to make sure health care gets enough funding to meet Canada's needs now and in the future.
Read more - CFNU-The-harsh-reality.pdf
Is Canada Ready for Political Change?
For many years, people have believed that Canada is a special country when it comes to politics. They say Canadians are practical and moderate. Unlike other countries that go through big political upheavals, Canada tends to stay in the middle, avoiding extreme changes.
Overall, Canada seems to be stable. We didn’t experience events like Brexit in the UK or see the rise of controversial leaders like Donald Trump in the US. Our political system has mostly stayed the same, and most Canadians still believe in democracy. They prefer fixing our current system rather than replacing it entirely.
But recent surveys show that not everyone is happy with how things are. A lot of Canadians want change. About 40% believe our economy needs major or total changes. About 20% think Canada should try a completely different system. Young people, especially those under 45, are even more eager for change. Nearly half of them believe big changes are needed.
This poll shows that many Canadians are unhappy with current problems like high housing costs, job insecurity, and expensive education. They feel the promises of a stable middle-class life haven’t been kept. Because of this frustration, some politicians see an opportunity.
Avi Lewis talks about inequality and affordability, but often in cautious ways. Now, with so much dissatisfaction, he might be able to suggest bigger ideas, like making housing and healthcare more accessible. Many young Canadians are open to ideas like socialism or more government involvement in the economy. They are also more willing to consider strong leaders who don’t follow traditional rules.
On the other side, some voters, especially conservatives, are unhappy too. They believe the system is “rigged” and that institutions don’t work for ordinary people. Pierre Poilievre has built his message around this idea. He argues that the government and big organizations have too much power and need to change.
Both groups, those wanting more government help and those wanting less regulation, agree that something is wrong with the current system. They just want different solutions.
In recent years, outside threats like the US political scene and global tensions have kept Canadians focused on stability. Mark Carney appeared capable of managing crises and keeping calm and was elected with that perception.
But the truth is, Canadians are feeling worried. The economy, jobs, and public services aren’t meeting everyone’s needs. The current stability might be temporary. Many people, especially the younger generation, are more open to significant change and new ideas.
They may not all agree on how to fix it, but they are willing to listen to bold proposals. Leaders from the left or right could build new movements.
Right now, Canada seems stable. But that doesn’t mean everyone is satisfied. We are living in a time where change could happen, and the country might be headed for a new political era.
Read more - Is Canada More Ripe for Political Disruption Than We Think?