In 1793, who led Upper Canada to become the first province in the British Empire to move toward abolishing slavery?

In 1793, Upper Canada, led by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, became the first part of the British Empire to abolish slavery. Discover Canada states: "In 1793, Upper Canada, led by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, a Loyalist military" figure.

This was part of a broader movement. The British Empire began the "first movement to abolish the transatlantic slave" trade in the same era, and 1833 abolished slavery throughout the Empire. In Canada, Discover Canada notes that slavery remained legal until 1863 in some areas.

Simcoe was a Loyalist military figure who shaped Upper Canada's early laws.

The abolition of slavery in Upper Canada in 1793 was a landmark moment for Canadian rights history. Discover Canada uses this fact to show that Canada participated early in the global anti-slavery movement, anchoring Canadian values of liberty.

Simcoe's act influenced later Canadian history, including the role Canada played as a destination for refugees fleeing slavery in the United States via the Underground Railroad.