Members of No. 2 Construction Battalion showed resilience, determination and strength in the face of adversity. Overcoming racism both at home and overseas, their commitment to the war effort was unwavering. They deserve recognition for the sacrifices they made to serve Canada.
Today, at the annual No. 2 Construction Battalion Remembrance Ceremony in Nova Scotia, Minister Fraser, on behalf of Ministers Petitpas Taylor and Blair, announced an investment for five new projects based in Nova Scotia, totaling over $124,000 to support education, remembrance and honouring of No. 2 Construction Battalion and their families.
This funding supports projects such as a new memorial, exhibits, community events and research projects to honour the memory and legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion-the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.
This announcement follows the historic apology to the descendants of the battalion by the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence in July 2022. In preparation for the apology, DND/CAF worked with the NAAC, who issued a report outlining eight recommendations to make the apology meaningful for No. 2 Construction Battalion descendants.
Another call for applications will open later this fall.
