Government of Canada formally apologizes to No. 2 Construction Battalion

The Government of Canada has formally apologized to the descendants of the soldiers who shaped the No. 2 Construction Battalion, which faced systemic anti-black racism before, during and after the First World War.

The battalion was the first and only all-black formation in Canada’s military history, and the men within it had to fight at every step for the opportunity to serve their country.

“These men were in a situation where they desired to serve, they had a desire to contribute, but they were turned away,” said Russell Grosse, Executive Director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

It was only after two years of dedicated effort that they were finally allowed to serve. Though they were mostly assigned to non-combat roles, they were integral to the war efforts, and they worked in gruelling conditions, living in segregated camps without proper medical care, rations or equipment. Twenty-three of them died in Europe serving their country.

Yet once the soldiers returned home, they were forgotten, never receiving due recognition for service and contribution to Canada’s role in the Great War.

On July 9, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for the anti-black racism that these soldiers underwent.

“How could they not be seen as heroes?” said the Prime Minister. “As a country we failed to recognize their contributions for what they were, their back-breaking work, their sacrifice, their very willingness to put their country before themselves. The Great War was won on the backs of every soul that served. We owe these men, these brave black men, so much.”

The apology came 106 years after the formation of the battalion in front of a crowd gathered in Truro, N.S. in the same location where these men would have trained before going overseas. And their legacy was finally celebrated through a traditional military parade.

Trudeau credited the descendants of the battalion for bringing forth this historical apology as they persevered over several decades so their loved ones’ sacrifices, loyalty, and service would be acknowledged. “We cannot ever let what happened to No. 2 Construction Battalion happen again,” said Trudeau. “And we cannot let the service of any member of our forces ever be overlooked and forgotten.”

He spoke about this being the face of systemic racism, where the reality of black history, bravery, humanity, courage and strength is rewritten through the lens of hatred and ignorance.

“Human nature shows us again and again that people will always find a way to stand up and demand their dignity,” said Trudeau.

Minister of National Defence Anita Anand followed him with an apology of her own.

“We are apologizing for the egregious injustices that they faced,” she said. “Now it is time to ask what is our path forward to honour this legacy and ensure that such discrimination never recurs, especially for the newest, youngest and future members of the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Lieutenant-General Frances Allen, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Arthur J. LeBlanc and other National Apology Advisory Committee members also took this opportunity to recommit themselves to the values of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that past harms are not repeated.

“Taking accountability for our history allows us to build communities where all individuals are free to live in peace and dignity,” said LeBlanc. “And it reminds us of the ongoing work that must be done to create lasting equality and inclusion for all.”

The most fervent hope of the descendants of the Battalion members and anti-racist activists is that the apology translates to concrete actions.

To show their commitment, the federal government is working with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia to develop a database to help identify the No. 2 Construction Battalion members and their descendants.

The cultural centre has given itself the mandate to never forget these soldiers.

Grosse pointed out before the official apology that this time in Canadian history was dark and rife with overt racism that held people of colour as second-class citizens.

Black men were rejected on the belief that they would make inferior warriors. Some were told this was a “white man’s war,” while others were told they would be sent for if needed. Over the next two years, men who had attempted to enlist, black community leaders, certain military officials, and white people outraged at the racism rallied against this decision, and by 1916 there was a desperate need for military aid units and able-bodied soldiers. Finally, Canada agreed to a request from Britain to create a Battalion composed of black Canadians, Americans and Bajans from Barbados.

From this, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed and then disbanded in 1920. Despite its important legacy, they were largely forgotten.

“It is a story that hasn’t been told,” said Douglas Ruck, Community Advocate. “It is a story that is not known, and there is a need to ensure that all generations, all Canadians to be aware of it. Yes, it is a military story. Yes, it is a black story, but most importantly, it is a Canadian history.”

These soldiers’ challenges, hardships, and pain, as well as their determination, courage, patriotism and strength, have formed a heritage that prevails.

“Now is the opportunity to shed light on that period of history,” said Sheila White, granddaughter of Captain William Andrew White.