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People of all faith backgrounds are encouraged to join in a virtual ecumenical celebration of Emancipation Day in Canada. This year marks the first official recognition of Emancipation Day by the Government of Canada, following a unanimous vote in the House of Commons in March 2021.

For the Canadian Council of Churches' Emancipation Day Ecumenical worship video, prayers, hymns, and background information visit www.interculturalleadership.ca/idpad 

Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act which came into effect August 1, 1834, freeing approximately 800,000 enslaved people in British colonies including Canada. For over 180 years, Black communities across Canada have celebrated Emancipation Day every August 1 with church services, parades, outdoor festivities, protests, speeches, entertainment, and more, seeing an opportunity for celebration and a time of reflection on the struggle for freedom and justice, past and present.