On Sunday, Canada officially marked the abolishment of slavery nearly 200 years ago in its first nationwide Emancipation Day.
Canadian parliamentarians unanimously voted in March to recognise Emancipation Day across the country on August 1st, the same date in 1834 that an act came into effect banning slavery in former British colonies, including Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, “Emancipation Day is a representation of social activism, justice, and our commitment to an equitable future.”