TORONTO — The McGuinty government has opened the Ontario Bicentenary Exhibit to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and help Ontarians learn more of the history of slavery in Ontario and the contributions of all those who fought for its abolition.

“The fact that slavery existed in early Ontario is a little-known fact,” said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle. “The Exhibit portrays its horrifying reality, and also commemorates the struggle for freedom as a step towards the acceptance and respect that is every Ontarian’s right.”

The Ontario Bicentenary Exhibit is part of a $1 million investment by the McGuinty government in community-based projects to commemorate the Bicentenary. The Exhibit includes displays, artifacts and information on the transatlantic slave trade; slavery in Ontario and the first steps taken towards ending slavery; and personal stories of enslaved Africans, former slaves and abolitionists. Public activities will be held regularly and will include lectures, music and author readings. 

Minister Colle officially opened the exhibit alongside the Honourable Jean Augustine, Chair of the Ontario Bicentenary Commemorative Committee on the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. 

“The Exhibit is one of many projects this year that will educate Ontarians about the history of slavery in Ontario, examine its legacy, honour those who suffered, and celebrate the courage of those who fought for justice and equality,” said Dr. Augustine.

Canada’s early settlers brought slaves to Upper Canada, and slavery expanded rapidly after 1783, as British Loyalists came to Canada and brought their slaves. In 1793, under Lt.-Gov. John Graves Simcoe, Upper Canada became the first jurisdiction in the British Empire to limit slavery. The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1807. This Act outlawed the slave trade throughout the British Empire and made it illegal for British ships to be involved in the trade and transportation of slaves.

The Ontario Bicentenary Exhibit is located at 880 Bay Street, Toronto. Hours are from Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m., to December 31, 2007.

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For media enquiries, contact:
Rick Byun, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-3460
Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7010