The MP for Windsor West has submitted a petition asking the federal government to apologize to Black Canadians.
Brian Masse of the NDP tabled a petition in the House of Commons Friday brought by historian Elise Harding-Davis, the first Black female curator of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
"Mr. Speaker, this petition I’m tabling is for the Government of Canada to apologize to Black Canadians for its role in chattel enslavement in Canada," Masse said during his remarks on Friday.
Chattel enslavement is defined by Dictionary.com as "the enslaving and owning of human beings and their offspring as property, able to be bought, sold, and forced to work without wages, as distinguished from other systems of forced, unpaid, or low-wage labor also considered to be slavery."
Masse also pointed out in his statement that even after Confederation, this form of racism continued.
He also praised Harding-Davis for bringing this issue to the forefront.
"An official apology from the Government of Canada would mean a lifetime of work recognized," said Masse. "Elise exemplifies the true meaning of preserving black history in Canada. Her legacy will no doubt inspire future generations."
Harding-Davis has been named to the Order of Ontario for her work in preserving and educating people on Black history in Canada. She has also been named among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and has received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee medals.
