Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty announced he is seeking candidates to join the national External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism, which was one of the recommendations in the National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC) Report.

“Today’s announcement marks a meaningful step forward in addressing systemic anti-Black racism and honouring the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion. With the establishment of the External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism, we fulfill the final recommendation of the National Apology Advisory Committee report. This addresses the historic injustices endured by the largest all-Black unit in Canadian military history. This committee will provide me direct guidance so that the lived experiences of Black Canadians continue to inform our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable Defence Team.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“The creation of the External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism reflects our ongoing commitment to building a Defence Team grounded in trust, professionalism, innovation, and accountability. Guided by our institutional values and ethics, we must continue to confront racism, discrimination, and harassment — and create a culture where every member of the Defence Team can thrive. These efforts are essential to strengthening our cohesion, resilience, and operational excellence.”

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

“Across generations, Black Defence Team members have served with pride, courage and perseverance, often in the face of barriers that should never have existed. This Committee is more than an advisory body; it is a forum for truth-telling and a vital step toward grounding our work in empathy, respect, and the lived experiences that continue to guide us toward an inclusive future.”  

Rear-Admiral Jacques P. Olivier, Defence Team Co-Champion for Racialized Persons and Director General Culture, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture

“The establishment of this Advisory Committee represents a historic step forward. It not only fulfills the final recommendation of the National Apology Advisory Committee but also ensures that the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion continues to inspire systemic change within the Canadian Armed Forces. This is about honouring the sacrifices of the past while shaping a more inclusive future.”

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

 

• 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

• National Apology Advisory Committee - Minister of National Defence Report - Canada.ca
• Statement from Minister Blair on the Fourth Biannual Report of External Monitor - Canada.ca
• From concept to reality: Establishing a Defence Team Anti-Black Racism Ministerial Advisory Committee - Canada.ca
• Combatting systemic racism and racial discrimination in the Defence Team - Canada.ca

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

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