Ontario is celebrating the uniqueness, vitality and continuing contributions of the Black community in Ontario by officially recognizing February 2016 as Black History Month through a proclamation.
The government also intends to introduce legislation in the near future that, if passed, would formally establish February as Black History Month in Ontario on an annual basis.
Ontario first proclaimed February as Black History Month in 1993 to mark the 200th anniversary of a law banning the importation of slaves into Upper Canada. Since then, Black History Month has continued to be celebrated but has not had official status.
Honouring the province's heritage and diverse communities is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
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