Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives an official apology on behalf of the federal government for the discrimination experienced by those who served in the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Defence Minister Anita Anand, as well as relatives and descendants of battalion members are among those attending the ceremony in Truro, Nova Scotia. Created during the First World War on July 5, 1916, the segregated unit was Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation. The battalion's headquarters were located in Truro until its members were deployed overseas. It was comprised of over 600 men, with approximately 300 from Nova Scotia. They were prevented from fighting in the war because of their race and were given non-combat support roles. The battalion was disbanded on September 20, 1920, without any recognition for the service of its members. Coverage courtesy of Eastlink.
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