Funding to commemorate No. 2 Construction Battalion

Funding is being dedicated to the legacy of the only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.

Created on July 5th, 1916, during the First World War, No. 2 Construction Battalion was a segregated non-combatant unit that showed resilience in the face of racism and adversity.

It was officially disbanded on September 15th, 1920, without ceremony or recognition for their service or sacrifices on behalf of Canada.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence delivered an historic apology to the battalion’s descendants in 2022.

In Cherry Brook on Friday, it was announced that DND and CAF will invest $2.25 million over five years for commemorative activities, educational materials, and community war memorials that honour No. 2 Construction Battalion.

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Ginette Pettipas Taylor said, “The extensive contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to Canada’s war effort deserve to be recognized and properly honoured. A chapter in our history, today’s announcement will help preserve their legacy to be shared with generations to come.”