Defence Minister David McGuinty Updates on Continued Efforts to Honour No. 2 Construction Battalion Legacy

From: National Defence

News release

November 20, 2025 – Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, joined a virtual session hosted by the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia to provide an update on the Government of Canada’s ongoing efforts to honour the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion. Participants included descendants and family members of No. 2 Construction Battalion, along with key community partners.

Minister McGuinty highlighted both the historic and continued contributions of Black Canadian military service members, emphasizing their resilience in the face of systemic barriers. He noted that the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion is a reminder of past injustices and a testament to the valour, professionalism and excellence Black Canadians have brought to military service.

During the meeting, Minister McGuinty reviewed the eight recommendations of the National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC). These recommendations were developed through cross-Canada engagement to guide the Government of Canada’s formal apology to descendants of No. 2 Construction Battalion in July 2022. A key recommendation called for the Defence Team to establish an External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism. This committee will provide advice to the Minister and will play a critical role in addressing systemic barriers by offering strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to senior Defence Team leadership. Minister McGuinty underscored that the establishment of the committee reflects a commitment to accountability, equity, and real and practical culture change across the Defence Team.

The Minister was accompanied by Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Jacques P. Olivier, Defence Team Co-Champion for Racialized Persons and Director General Culture, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture. The RAdm confirmed that work to define the committee’s mandate and composition has been completed, and he outlined the upcoming call for volunteers to join the committee and the application process. RAdm Olivier noted that the committee will be established early next year and will meet regularly to provide advice on building a more inclusive Defence Team.

The Defence Team will continue to collaborate closely with descendants of No. 2 Construction Battalion and members of Black communities across Canada so that the lived experiences of Black Canadians are heard and integrated into decision-making to drive cultural change and strengthen operational excellence.

Quotes

“The creation of the External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism is more than a milestone; it is a commitment to accountability, equity, and cultural change. This committee honours the legacy of Black Canadians in uniform while shaping a more inclusive future. By combining expertise and lived experience, we will dismantle systemic barriers and build a Defence Team rooted in trust, respect, and professionalism. A more inclusive Defence Team is a stronger Defence Team.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion remains a powerful call to advance equity and justice in our time. Their experience reminds us of what it means to step forward, even when you are not fully seen, yet strive to serve your country. The creation of this Advisory Committee ensures that their legacy continues to guide our commitment to building a Defence Team where every member is valued, respected, and able to thrive. Their service inspires us to do better, and to carry their legacy forward with purpose.”

Russell Grosse, Chief Executive Officer, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

Quick facts

  • No. 2 Construction Battalion (also known as The Black Battalion) was created on July 5, 1916, in Pictou, Nova Scotia, during the First World War. It was a segregated non-combatant unit, the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.

  • While some Black men were able to enlist in Canadian Expeditionary Force battalions prior to mid-1916, the majority were rejected due to racial prejudice. Black communities across Canada put pressure on the government and military officials, culminating in the authorization of No. 2 Construction Battalion, allowing a larger number of Black men to serve.

  • The contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to the war effort were invaluable. They built railways, maintained and operated water systems at base camps, performed electrical work, built roads, and cut down trees.

  • Throughout the war, members of No. 2 Construction Battalion faced overt and unspoken systemic racism, yet showed resilience, determination, and strength in the face of adversity. Following the end of the First World War, the unit was officially disbanded on September 15, 1920, without ceremony or recognition for its service or sacrifices on behalf of Canada.

  • In July 2022, the Government of Canada acknowledged and apologized for these injustices, supported by the NAAC Report, which contained eight recommendations to address historical exclusion and guide ongoing systemic change.

  • With the establishment of the External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism, all eight recommendations from the National Apology Advisory Committee have been implemented. Actions taken include the formal apology, $2.25 million in commemorative funding, the creation of a commemorative quilt, and a perpetuation ceremony.

Associated links

Contacts

Muntaha Ahmed
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 343-541-8843
Email: muntaha.ahmed@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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2025-11-21