Black Canadians

Black Canadians are citizens of Canada who have ancestry from any of the black racial groups of Africa. In 2021, most Black Canadians were born in Canada, but many also came from Africa or the Caribbean.

Some important groups of Black Canadians are descendants of African Americans, including fugitive slaves, Black Loyalists, and refugees from the War of 1812. Many of these people settled in places like Nova Scotia and Southern Ontario.

Black Canadians have made big contributions to Canadian culture. Some of the first visible minorities to hold important government jobs were Black Canadians, like Michaëlle Jean, Donald Oliver, Stanley G. Grizzle, Rosemary Brown, and Lincoln Alexander. Today, Black Canadians are the third-largest visible minority group in Canada, after South Asian and Chinese Canadians.

Population

According to the 2021 census by Statistics Canada, 1,547,870 Canadians identified as black, making up 4.3% of the whole country. About 10% of these people said they were of mixed-race, specifically "white and black." The areas with the most black people in 2021 were Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The cities with the largest black communities were Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Hamilton, Oshawa, and Québec City. The place with the highest percentage of black people was Preston, near Halifax, where 69.4% of the community is black. This area was given land by the government for black Loyalists after the American Revolution. Another place, Brooks in Alberta, has 22.3% black people, mostly from East Africa.

In earlier years, the number of black Canadians grew. In the 2011 census, there were 945,665 black Canadians, which was 2.9% of the country. By the 2016 census, this number rose to 1,198,540, or 3.5% of Canada.

Most black Canadians come from places like Jamaica, Haiti, and Nigeria. Many are Christian, but some are Muslim or have no specific religion irreligious. A small number also have ties to Indigenous groups like First Nations or Métis communities.

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1871	21,500	—
1881	21,400	−0.5%
1901	17,500	−18.2%
1911	16,900	−3.4%
1921	18,300	+8.3%
1931	19,500	+6.6%
1941	22,200	+13.8%
1951	18,000	−18.9%
1961	32,100	+78.3%
1971	34,400	+7.2%
1981	239,500	+596.2%
1991	504,300	+110.6%
2001	662,200	+31.3%
2011	945,665	+42.8%
2021	1,547,870	+63.7%
Census data

Terminology

There is no single name that everyone agrees on for Canadians of black African descent.

Some Black Canadians who come from families that were brought to North America by British and French colonists use the term "African Canadian." This includes people whose ancestors were promised freedom by the British during the American Revolutionary War, like the Black Loyalists, and thousands of fugitive slaves who escaped to Canada from the Southern United States with help from the Underground Railroad. Starting in the 1970s, some Canadians with long family histories here began calling themselves Indigenous black Canadians.

Young Black Canadians often balance their family heritage with Canadian culture. For example, in some families, young women are encouraged to help care for others, while young men are encouraged to take leadership roles. These experiences show the rich and varied identities of Black Canadians across different areas, though much of the history focuses on Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Black Nova Scotians, a special group with roots going back to the 1700s, use both "African Canadian" and "black Canadian" to describe themselves. They even have an Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and a Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

In French, people use the terms Noirs canadiens or Afro-Canadiens. The word Nègre (meaning "Negro") is considered rude and offensive. In 2002, a Quebec film director named Robert Morin caused disagreement when he named his film Le Nèg, and in 2015, some place names with Nègre were changed because they were no longer acceptable.

Black Canadians sometimes separate those from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds from those from other parts of Africa. Many from the Caribbean prefer to be called "Caribbean Canadian" instead of "African Canadian," because they want to honor their special Caribbean heritage. However, the Caribbean has many different groups, not just people of African origin. Some people use terms like "Jamaican Canadian" or "Haitian Canadian" to be more specific.

Sometimes, groups include both African and Caribbean communities in their names. For example, there is an organization called the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario, a magazine called Pride that describes itself as an "African-Canadian and Caribbean-Canadian news magazine," and a radio station in Toronto called G98.7 that was started as the Caribbean African Radio Network.

History

The black presence in Canada is mostly due to people choosing to come and live there. Whether they are descendants of the black Loyalists in Nova Scotia, those who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, or newer immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean, they all share a history of actively choosing Canada as their home.

First black people in Canada

The first known black person to reach what is now Canada was Mathieu da Costa, who arrived with explorer Samuel de Champlain. Another early arrival was Olivier Le Jeune, an enslaved child from Madagascar who was later freed. Over time, more black people came to Canada, some as soldiers in the French Army, others as slaves brought to show off their owners' wealth.

African Americans during the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, many African Americans who were loyal to the British fled to Canada. They were promised freedom and land, and many settled in Nova Scotia. However, they faced discrimination and harsh conditions, leading some to move to West Africa.

Mural with fictional representation of Marie-Joseph Angélique.

Abolition of slavery

Slavery was gradually abolished in Canada. By 1833, it was officially outlawed throughout the British Empire, making Canada a safe haven for those escaping slavery in the United States.

War of 1812

During the War of 1812, many African Americans fled to Canada to escape slavery. They joined the British forces and fought bravely, helping to defend Canada against American invasion.

Underground Railroad

Many African-American slaves used the Underground Railroad to escape to Canada, seeking freedom and a better life. Cities like Toronto and St. Catharines became important safe havens for these freedom seekers.

Anderson Ruffin Abbott, the first Black Canadian to be a licensed physician, participated in the American Civil War and attended the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln.

West Coast

In 1858, some black Americans moved to Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island to escape discriminatory laws in California. They established businesses and became part of the community there.

The late Victorian era

During the late Victorian era, Canada did not have strict segregation laws like the United States. However, local prejudices still led to segregation in schools and other areas. Communities like Africville in Halifax developed strong identities despite these challenges.

Immigration restrictions

In the early 1900s, Canada had unofficial policies restricting black immigration. However, this changed over time, and more black immigrants began to arrive, especially from the Caribbean.

Monument in Pictou, Nova Scotia dedicated to abolitionist James Drummond MacGregor, who helped free Black Nova Scotian slaves

1900s and 1910s

In the early 1900s, black people from the southern United States and Oklahoma moved to Canada, settling in places like Amber Valley in Alberta. They faced racism but also built strong communities.

1920s and 1930s

The 1920s saw an increase in Caribbean immigrants coming to work in Canada's steel mills and railroads. They settled in cities like Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. This period also saw the rise of black activism in response to discrimination.

1940s and 1950s

During World War II, black Canadians served in the armed forces and found new economic opportunities. Laws against racial discrimination began to be passed, and segregation started to decline.

William Hall of Horton, Nova Scotia was the first black man to win the Victoria Cross

1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s were a time of change for black Canadians. Immigration laws changed, allowing more people from the Caribbean and Africa to come to Canada. Black Canadians became more active in politics, and cultural events like Caribana began.

1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, black Canadians continued to make progress in politics and society. However, issues like police harassment and systemic racism remained challenges. Organizations like the Black Action Defence Committee were formed to address these issues.

21st century

In recent years, black Canadians have continued to face challenges, including economic disparities and systemic racism. Events like the rally in response to the murder of George Floyd highlighted these ongoing issues. Despite these challenges, black Canadians have made significant contributions to Canadian society.

Statistics

According to Statistics Canada, Canada is the top place of birth for black people. In 2021, more than four out of ten black people were born in Canada. Many long-time black immigrants came from the Caribbean, but newer immigrants mostly came from Africa. Over three quarters of black immigrants who came before 1981 were born in the Caribbean. The top countries for black immigrants from 2011 to 2016 were Haiti, Nigeria, Jamaica, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Overall, black Canadians reported more than 200 different ethnic or cultural origins.

Here are some key numbers: 59 per cent of black Canadians are immigrants, 32.4 per cent are second generation, and 8.6 per cent are third generation or more. Almost half (49.7 per cent) of black Canadians live in Ontario, and 97.8 per cent live in urban areas. Black women in Canada outnumber black men by 40,000. In Nunavut, black Canadians have the highest average income, while in Prince Edward Island, they have the lowest.

List of census subdivisions with black populations higher than the national average

Source: Canada 2021 Census
National average: 4.3% (1,547,870)

Alberta

Brooks (22.3%)
Edmonton (7.6%)
Wood Buffalo (6.6%)
Calgary (5.2%)

Ontario

Ajax (16.8%)
Shelburne (16.3%)
Brampton (13.1%)
Pickering (11.4%)
Toronto (9.6%)
Whitby (9.1%)
Oshawa (8.9%)
Ottawa (8.5%)
Kitchener (6.9%)
Mississauga (6.9%)
Windsor (5.9%)
Southgate (5.9%)
Milton (5.8%)
Clarington (5.2%)
Thorold (5.2%)
Hamilton (5.1%)
Gore Bay (4.8%)

Quebec

Montréal-Est (12.2%)
Montréal (11.5%)
Châteauguay (11.5%)
Terrebonne (11%)
Saint-Pierre (10.5%)
Pointe-des-Cascades (10.1%)
Longueuil (9.9%)
Repentigny (9.9%)
Gatineau (9.5%)
Laval (8.9%)
Bois-des-Filion (8.8%)
Mercier (8.5%)
Dollard-des-Ormeaux (7.1%)
Brossard (6.5%)
Vaudreuil-Dorion (6%)
Côte Saint-Luc (6%)
L'Île-Perrot (5.9%)
L'Assomption (5.6%)
Mascouche (5.2%)
Saint-Constant (4.9%)
Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac (4.9%)
Dorval (4.6%)
Saint-Hyacinthe (4.4%)
Montcalm (4.4%)

Black population by province or territory
Province / territory	2001 Census	% 2001	2011 Census	% 2011	2021 Census	% 2021
Ontario	411,090	3.6%	539,205	4.3%	768,740	5.5%
Quebec	152,195	2.1%	243,625	3.2%	422,405	5.1%
Alberta	31,395	1.1%	74,435	2.1%	177,940	4.3%
British Columbia	25,465	0.7%	33,260	0.8%	61,760	1.3%
Manitoba	12,820	1.2%	19,610	1.7%	46,485	3.6%
Nova Scotia	19,230	2.1%	20,790	2.3%	28,220	3.0%
Saskatchewan	4,165	0.4%	7,255	0.7%	22,570	2.0%
New Brunswick	3,850	0.5%	4,870	0.7%	12,155	1.6%
Newfoundland and Labrador	840	0.2%	1,455	0.3%	3,590	0.7%
Prince Edward Island	370	0.3%	390	0.3%	1,815	1.2%
Northwest Territories	175	0.5%	555	1.4%	1,060	2.6%
Nunavut	65	0.3%	120	0.4%	565	1.5%
Yukon	120	0.4%	100	0.3%	560	1.4%
Canada	662,215	2.2%	945,665	2.9%	1,547,870	4.3%

Settlements

Map of the Black population by Census tract in the City of Toronto (2021)

Many Black Canadians live in mixed neighborhoods, but some areas have strong Black communities. One famous historic area was Africville in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which was torn down in the 1960s. Another was Hogan's Alley in Vancouver, mostly gone by 1970.

Today, neighborhoods like Little Burgundy in Montreal are important, known for jazz music. Other places with many Black Canadians include North Preston in Nova Scotia, and areas in Toronto such as Little Jamaica along Eglinton Avenue. In Winnipeg, Central Park has many Black families. Edmonton’s Queen Mary Park has been home to Black people since the early 1900s.

Culture

Media representation of black people in Canada has grown a lot. TV shows like Drop the Beat, Lord Have Mercy!, Diggstown and Da Kink in My Hair focus mainly on black characters and communities.

The biggest cultural event for black Canadians is the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, also called Caribana. It’s a huge yearly festival in Toronto that brings together over a million people to celebrate Caribbean culture.

Black Canadians have also made big marks in movies, books, and music. Famous writers include Josiah Henson, George Elliott Clarke, and Lawrence Hill. In music, artists like Drake and The Weeknd have become worldwide stars.

Black Canadians have also helped shape sports in Canada. From hockey to track and field, many have become top athletes and role models.

Racism

Canada is known for being very friendly toward people of all races. But some Black Canadians have faced unfair treatment. About one-third of Black people in Canada said they experienced some form of unfair treatment from 1998 to 2002.

Black Canadians have sometimes faced racism at work and in everyday life. Sadly, some Black men in Toronto were treated unfairly by police in the past. This led to the creation of a group called the Black Action Defence Committee, which helped start an agency to look into police mistakes. Things have improved since then.

Even today, some Black ice hockey players in Canada have faced racism. Places like Nova Scotia hold special events to work against racism and support fairness for everyone.

Incarceration

Black Canadians have faced higher rates of being in prison compared to their share of the population for many years. In 1911, black Canadians made up a very small part of Canada’s population, but a larger part of its prison population. This pattern continued through the years. By 2017, black Canadians were about 3.5% of Canada’s population, but made up a much larger share—8.6%—of people in federal prisons.