TRURO, N.S. — The soldiers comprising the only all\u002DBlack unit to fight for Canada during the First World War experienced systemic hate and racism before,…
Justin Trudeau offered the apology as descendants of the No. 2 Construction battalion’s 600 members gathered in Truro, N.S., on the same grounds where the unit formed prior to deployment overseas in March 1917.“As a country, we failed to recognize their contributions for what they were — their backbreaking work, their sacrifice, their willingness to put their country before their self,” Trudeau told the crowd.
Only a few of its members would see combat, mainly because the battalion was repeatedly told its help wasn’t wanted on the front lines, and they received no public recognition when they returned home. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have said the systemic racism endured by the men of No. 2 Construction Battalion qualifies as hateful conduct.
Battalion the care and support they deserved — we are sorry. For failing to honour and commemorate the contribution of No. 2 Construction Battalion and their descendants, for the blatant anti-Black hate and racism that denied these men dignity in life and death — we are sorry.” Many of the descendants of the battalion members said they were pleased with the apology and the fact more people will learn of the unit’s history.
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