Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: Honourable senators, I am honoured to stand before you today to give a Remembrance Day statement on the No. 2 Construction Battalion, a story brought to light by the late Senator Calvin Ruck in his 1986 book Canada’s Black Battalion: No. 2 Construction, 1916-1920. This shameful story in Canadian history reveals the racism that Black men endured while trying to serve their country during World War I. Further research by African-Nova Scotian historian Sean Foyn in his 1999 thesis The underside of glory: AfriCanadian enlistment in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1917 highlighted their dual battle: the war of racism at home and their contributions to World War I. These men were denied weapons, yet they served on the front lines with shovels and pickaxes — their efforts essential to wartime lumber operations.

Despite the discrimination they faced, the men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion served with extraordinary resilience and courage. On July 9, 2022, after years of advocacy, the government issued an apology for the injustices they endured. It was an honour for me to speak at the apology ceremony in Truro, Nova Scotia. In my remarks, I shared the following:

Imagine what life must have been like for these men, who had to fight their country, to fight for their country.

Led by the National Apology Advisory Committee, which included government, community activists and descendants, the apology and the commemorative recommendations were presented to ensure that the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion will never be forgotten. The sacrifices of these men, their families and communities are no longer Canada’s best-kept secret.

The apology marked a significant step toward reparations for Black Canadians and serves as a model for others pursuing accountability and meaningful action. In the future, dear colleagues, as we pause to remember all who have served and now serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, I invite you to also remember the contributions and experiences of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.

Asante, thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.