Black Canadians
What is black canadians?
Key facts
| Definition | People of African or Caribbean ancestry who live in Canada[2] |
|---|---|
| 2021 census count | 1.5 million Canadians identified as Black[2] |
| 2021 census share | 4.3 per cent of the population identified as Black[2] |
| Census category detail | Includes single-response 'Black' and multiple-response 'Black' and 'White'[4] |
| Alternative term | African Canadians[2] |
Black Canadians are people in Canada who identify as Black or are described as having African or Caribbean ancestry. The term is often used interchangeably with African Canadians, and self-identification is a key aspect in census and research contexts.
Context
Black Canadians are people in Canada who identify as Black or are described as having African or Caribbean ancestry [2]. The term is often used interchangeably with African Canadians [2]. Self-identification is a key aspect in census and research contexts [1]. In the 2021 census, 1.5 million Canadians identified as Black, representing 4.3 per cent of the population [2]. The census category includes single-response 'Black' and multiple-response 'Black' and 'White' [4]. Black identity is self-determined and can reflect parentage, ancestry, self-perception, social perception, cultural background, and acceptance within Black communities [3]. Black populations in Canada are diverse and connected to multiple diasporas [3]. In health research, 'Black Canadians' can exclude Black people living, working, or studying in Canada who are not citizens [3].
Documented claims
- Black identity is self-determined and can reflect parentage, ancestry, self-perception, social perception, cultural background, and acceptance within Black communities. [3]
- Black populations in Canada are diverse and connected to multiple diasporas. [3]
- In health research, 'Black Canadians' can exclude Black people living, working, or studying in Canada who are not citizens. [3]
Questions and answers
What are Black Canadians called?
They are also commonly called African Canadians [2].
How many Black Canadians are there?
In the 2021 census, 1.5 million Canadians identified as Black, making up 4.3 per cent of the population [2].
How is Black identity defined in Canada?
Black identity is self-determined and can reflect parentage, ancestry, self-perception, social perception, cultural background, and acceptance within Black communities [3].
Sources
- Black Canadians - Canadianwire — canadianwire.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Definitions — bcblackhistory.ca (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Black Canadian - DCHP-3 — dchp.arts.ubc.ca (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- What It Means To Be Black Canadian — toughconvos.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)