Slavery in Canada existed from the early colonial period until the 19th century. The practice primarily involved Indigenous peoples and, later, enslaved Africans brought to the region. Although slavery was not as widespread as in the United States, it was legally recognized in the British colonies, and many enslaved individuals worked on farms and in households. In 1833, the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which ended slavery in most of the British Empire, including Canada. This act marked a significant turning point, leading to the gradual emancipation of enslaved individuals and the eventual recognition of their rights as free citizens.