Today marks Emancipation Day in Canada. On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect, officially abolishing slavery in most of the British Empire, including what is now Canada.
Emancipation Day is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our nation’s history and to redouble our efforts in rooting out the lingering elements of racism in our institutions. As legal professionals, we draw upon the principles of the rule of law to guide our actions and decisions. The rule of law demands that justice is administered without prejudice and that equality under the law is uncompromised and unassailable. Emancipation Day is a vital reminder that our work in upholding these principles is never truly complete. It encourages us to scrutinize our laws and practices, ensuring that they serve as vehicles for justice and equality for all.
Emancipation Day is also an opportunity to reinforce the imperative of diversity in the legal profession and on the bench. A diverse legal profession and judiciary enrich our legal system and ensure it reflects the society it serves; it fosters trust and confidence in the judicial process.
The struggle for justice and for inclusivity continues. Racism persists. The evil of slavery endures elsewhere. Let us strive together to make our legal profession one that champions the cause of justice for every individual in Canada and abroad. Emancipation Day is not just a day of remembrance; let its observance be a call to action and a beacon of progress and hope for our future.