BILL NO. 29

(as introduced)

3rd Session, 63rd General Assembly
Nova Scotia
70 Elizabeth II, 2021

 

Private Member's Bill

 

Emancipation Day Act

 

Brad Johns
Sackville–Beaver Bank

First Reading: March 23, 2021

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

 

An Act to Establish Emancipation Day

WHEREAS on August 28, 1833, the British Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire as of August 1, 1834, by enacting An Act for the Abolition of Slavery Throughout the British Colonies; for promoting the Industry of the manumitted Slaves; and for compensating the Persons hitherto entitled to the Services of such Slaves;

AND WHEREAS on December 23, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent, commencing on January 1, 2015, and ending on December 31, 2024;

AND WHEREAS on January 30, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it would officially recognize the International Decade for People of African Descent;

AND WHEREAS the history of African Nova Scotians reaches back to the founding years of Nova Scotia;

AND WHEREAS African Nova Scotians have a rich legacy in Nova Scotia and strong communities established long ago continue to this day;

AND WHEREAS the achievements and triumphs of African Nova Scotians are a source of pride and it is important to recognize the heritage of African Nova Scotians and the contributions they continue to make to Nova Scotia;

AND WHEREAS August 1st is a day for all Nova Scotians to reflect on the ongoing international struggle for human rights and freedom by people of African descent and their allies;

THEREFORE be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Emancipation Day Act.

2 Throughout the Province, in each and every year, the first day of August shall be known as Emancipation Day.

 

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