Minister says changes in progress after apology for racism faced by Black soldiers – Halifax | Globalnews.ca

Defence Minister Anita Anand says Ottawa is implementing recommendations brought forward as part of an apology for the systemic hate and racism experienced by an all-Black Canadian unit that served in the First World War.

The apology issued one year ago to descendants of the No. 2 Construction battalion’s members included eight recommendations developed through community consultations.

Anand says the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have been working “unceasingly” on implementing the recommendations, which are key to building a more inclusive culture free of racism, discrimination and biases.

She says three of the recommendations remain to be fully addressed, two are in progress and elements of another three will require what she describes as sustained and everlasting efforts.

Anand says the work won’t stop until the military is a place where everyone can have a sense of belonging and know their contribution to Canada’s defence goals will be recognized and valued.

Anand joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Truro, N.S., last July to apologize for the appalling treatment of the segregated, non-combatant unit, the first and only all-Black battalion in Canadian military history.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2023.