Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a formal apology to the descendants of 2e Construction Battalion on Saturday for the treatment of Canada’s only all-black unit that served in the First World War.
In a ceremony attended by many elected officials and community representatives from Truro, Nova Scotia, Mr Trudeau apologized for the “horrible” treatment that has been meted out to his soldiers, who have been victims of racism during the war.
“We can’t change the past, but we must all seize opportunities to learn from our mistakes. Unfortunately, we know that too many members of the Canadian Armed Forces still face systemic racism and discrimination, including racism against black communities,” said Mr. Trudeau during his speech.
The apology came after consultations with the descendants of the 600 members of the 2e Construction Battalion, described as heroes by Defense Minister Anita Anand when she announced plans last March to offer a formal apology.
Hundreds of black men in Canada were turned away when they volunteered to fight overseas in 1914 because they were unwanted in what was seen as a white man’s war.
After two years of protest, the Canadian Army was granted permission in 1916 to establish a separate non-combatant battalion, and more than 300 of those who enlisted were from Nova Scotia.
Only a few of its members were combat ready, mainly because the battalion was repeatedly told that its help was not wanted on the front line.
“They proudly put on the uniform of the Canadian Expeditionary Force after two years of refusal, but they never had the same opportunities and the same support as their white counterparts,” recalled the Prime Minister.
“Upon their return, the members of 2e Construction Battalion never received the heroic welcome they deserved,” added Mr. Trudeau.
The Department of National Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces have said that the systemic racism experienced by the men of 2e Construction Battalion constitutes hateful conduct.
Ms. Anand also affirmed in front of the crowd that she was committed to taking measures to change the culture of the Canadian Armed Forces in order to make them more inclusive.
“I am committed to eliminating systemic racism so that the discrimination faced by members of 2e Construction Battalion and those that followed will never happen again,” she said.
Mr. Trudeau took advantage of his speech to announce that in honor of the 2e Construction Battalion, a pure silver collector coin to be issued next year during Black History Month by the Royal Canadian Mint to “enable Canadians across the country to participate in the celebration of his legacy “.
He invited Canadians to learn about the 2e Construction Battalion and on other “unwritten and untold” histories of the country to honor these long-forgotten soldiers.
“There are stories like those of the 2e Battalion that show that the strength and resilience of our common humanity cannot be summed up by the color of our skin,” insisted the Prime Minister.
Many descendants of battalion members said they were pleased with the apology and the fact that new people will learn about their ancestors’ history.