moved for leave to introduce Bill C-282, an act proclaiming Emancipation Day.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to rise on behalf of the constituents of Calgary East to introduce my private member's bill in the House today. The bill would proclaim August 1 as emancipation day to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British Commonwealth on August 1, 1834.
The recognition of emancipation day will not only acknowledge the work of brave Canadians in abolishing slavery but also the heritage of Canada's black community and the contributions they have made and will continue to make to Canada.
This initiative, I hope, will garner unanimous support from my colleagues and the people of Canada.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)