Black History Month in Canada

Statements

Ottawa — The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense, issued the following statement today on the occasion of Black History Month:

“February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements and contributions that Black Canadians have made to enrich the culture of our diverse nation.

“Throughout our history, Black Canadians have a long tradition of serving in uniform and helping to protect the prosperous country we enjoy today.

“This year, we mark the 100th anniversaries of the Battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele during the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid during the Second World War. Black History Month provides us the opportunity to recognize the efforts of Black Canadians during these important conflicts.

“Canada’s heritage is captured and distilled in its diverse population. Therefore, throughout each calendar year, Veterans Affairs Canada will profile our diversity through our social media channels, starting with this February and Black History Month.

“This month, we will honour the contributions and achievements of all Black Canadian Armed Forces members who answered the call to serve. We will recount interesting stories like the First World War’s No. 2 Construction Battalion, which was the first large Black military unit in Canadian history, and Nova Scotia’s William Hall, the first Black recipient of the Victoria Cross.

“Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we pay tribute to our diverse military history throughout the year. To help us in this effort, in the near future we will be reaching out to have you share your stories with us.”

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