Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, attended the annual No. 2 Construction Battalion Remembrance Ceremony and Honour Parade to honour the legacy of Canada's largest all-Black battalion in military history.

“The members of this Advisory Committee bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and perspectives that reflect the diversity and strength of Black communities across Canada. Their advice will help inform meaningful action as we continue working to address anti-Black racism and foster a Defence Team where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. This Committee represents an important step in our ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive institution—one where every member can serve, contribute, and succeed in a workplace free from harassment, racism, discrimination, and bias.”

- The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minster of National Defence

“The creation of this advisory committee represents an important step in transforming remembrance into meaningful action. As we honour the legacy of the men of No. 2 Construction Battalion, we must also remain committed to addressing the systemic barriers and anti-Black racism that continue to affect Black Canadians today. The Black Cultural Centre welcomes this initiative. By learning from our history and listening to the voices and experiences of Black communities, we can help build institutions that are more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the values Canadians aspire to uphold.”

- Russell Grosse, Chief Executive Officer, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

• The establishment of an External Ministerial Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism fulfills the Government of Canada's commitment to implement the eighth and final recommendation of the National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC) report, which provided recommendations for making the Government of Canada’s 2022 apology to the descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion meaningful.

• No. 2 Construction Battalion (also known as The Black Battalion) was created on July 5, 1916, in Pictou, Nova Scotia, during the First World War. It was a segregated non-combatant unit, the largest all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.

• The contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to the war effort were invaluable. They built railways, maintained and operated water systems at base camps, performed electrical work, built roads, and cut down trees.

• Throughout the war, members of No. 2 Construction Battalion faced both overt and systemic racism, yet showed resilience, determination, and strength in the face of adversity. Following the end of the First World War, the unit was officially disbanded on September 15, 1920, without formal recognition for their service and sacrifice on behalf of Canada.

• In July 2022, the Government of Canada acknowledged and apologized for these injustices, supported by the NAAC report, which contained eight recommendations to address historical exclusion and guide ongoing systemic change.

Associated links

• No. 2 Construction Battalion - Canada.ca
• National Apology Advisory Committee - Minister of National Defence Report - Canada.ca
• External Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism - Canada.ca
• Combatting systemic racism and racial discrimination in the Defence Team - Canada.ca
• Canadian Armed Forces apologizes for history of systemic racism and racial discrimination - Canada.ca
• Prime Minister delivers apology to descendants of No. 2 Construction Battalion | Prime Minister of Canada

Muntaha Ahmed
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: muntaha.ahmed@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca