Commemorating No. 2 Construction Battalion
November 7, 2024
Ottawa, ON – Today, the Government of Canada announced a new initiative to commemorate the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the first all-Black battalion in Canadian military history.
The initiative includes a number of measures, including:
- The creation of a new national monument to the No. 2 Construction Battalion in Ottawa
- The establishment of a new scholarship program for Black students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- The development of new educational resources on the history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion
The No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in 1916 in response to the need for skilled laborers to support the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe during the First World War. The battalion was composed of over 600 Black men from across Canada, and they served with distinction in France and Belgium.
Despite their contributions to the war effort, the No. 2 Construction Battalion faced discrimination and prejudice both during and after the war. They were often assigned to menial tasks, and they were denied the same opportunities for promotion as their white counterparts.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize the contributions of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. In 2020, the Government of Canada apologized for the discrimination that the battalion faced.
The new initiatives announced today are a further step towards ensuring that the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion is never forgotten.
“The No. 2 Construction Battalion is a reminder of the courage, resilience, and determination of Black Canadians,” said the Minister of Veterans Affairs. “Their story is an inspiration to us all, and we are committed to ensuring that their legacy is preserved for generations to come.”
The new national monument to the No. 2 Construction Battalion will be located in downtown Ottawa. The monument will be designed to honor the battalion’s contributions to the war effort, and to educate Canadians about the history of Black Canadians in the military.
The new scholarship program will provide financial assistance to Black students pursuing careers in STEM. The program will help to increase the representation of Black Canadians in these fields, and to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
The new educational resources on the history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion will be developed in partnership with Black Canadian historians and educators. The resources will be made available to schools and universities across Canada, and they will help to ensure that the battalion’s story is taught to all Canadians.
The initiatives announced today are a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and ensuring that their legacy is never forgotten.
Commemorating No. 2 Construction Battalion
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