Today is proof that politics matters

Emancipation Day thoughts from the campaign trail

Emancipation Day

On the campaign trail, it’s common to encounter apathy and cynicism about politics. People are fed up with politicians. I get it.

But part of my job is to remind people that politics does matter. Voting matters. Who you elect to represent you and your family matters.

Today, August 1, is proof. It’s Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the majority of the British Empire, including Canada. The horrific institution of slavery was stopped by a vote in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Members of Parliament voted to pass The Slavery Abolition Act 1833. The act received royal assent on August 28, 1833 and commenced a year later.

Politicians did something important on that day by finally doing the right thing. The movement to abolish slavery needed to influence the political process in order to change the laws. The movement succeeded.

Every generation has its battles to fight. Few battles will have the historical significance of Emancipation Day. But our responsibility remains to determine what those battles are and have the courage to do our part.

I encourage everyone reading this to honour Emancipation Day.

Those who seek to divide Canadians on the basis of skin colour will try to bait you into arguments and distract you from what this day represents. Some might try to keep you on the racism treadmill, as if nothing has changed about Canada over past centuries and decades. Others will attack you for honouring Emancipation Day, as if it's a woke or far-left idea (it's not).

But I encourage any person reading this to refuse to take the bait and focus on what this day means. Ending slavery in the British Empire was an incredible historical moment that required relentless effort. It is a day to celebrate freedom and remember those who were tragically denied freedom. It is an opportunity to reflect on what makes The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 so unique in the context of world history.

AUDIO: Catching up with Christopher Lockhart

Earlier this summer, I had a chance to catch up with my friend, Durham Region resident and father, Christopher Lockhart. We talked about the campaign and also some of thechallenges facing Canada right now. The Lockharts have been in Durham for decades, with Chris’ grandmother moving to Bowmanville nearly thirty years ago. Here’s a clip from our conversation:

P.S. While I have your attention, I’d regret not sharing what I consider the perfect song for Emancipation Day: Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”