Anti-racism research will help address gaps in government services

Press Release

May 30, 2024

VICTORIA – The Province has released initial research findings into barriers experienced by Indigenous Peoples and racialized people in the public service, schools and health care.

“Racism and discrimination impact people every day,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “That is why we are taking action to identify challenges and fix gaps, so we can make sure public services work better for everyone in B.C. These initial research findings confirm what racialized and Indigenous people already know and will help us create a more inclusive and equitable province.”

The initial research findings using data from the BC Demographic Survey and other sources indicate:

systemic barriers for Indigenous and racialized individuals in the BC Public Service, including under-representation as employees, particularly in management and executive roles;
racialized students tended to be less likely to receive any special-needs designation than the average student in the K-12 system; and
Indigenous people may be disproportionately affected by diabetes, asthma and mood and anxiety disorders.

Government is working to address these challenges, including:

improving hiring practices and workplace culture, and working to ensure the people who are shaping and delivering public services reflect the diversity of B.C.’s population;
increasing support and opportunities for Indigenous and racialized people to succeed in their careers, making sure all students receive the support they need; and
strengthening health-care services to improve outcomes.

“The existence of systemic racism is not a secret, but without concrete statistics, Indigenous and racialized people have often been ignored when talking about it,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “Thanks to the research being carried out under the Anti-Racism Data Act, we now have clear facts to use as evidence. This information has been and will continue to be invaluable in strengthening the Anti-Racism Act, and our collective efforts to make a fairer B.C. that works better for everyone.”

The Anti-Racism Data Act came into effect in 2022 and requires the Province to publish statistics or other information respecting systemic racism and racial equity by June 1 each year. This is the first release of research findings under the act. Researchers used data from the BC Demographic Survey and other sources.

From June to October 2023, more than 200,000 people filled out the BC Demographic Survey, providing information about their identity, such as race and gender. Survey responses are being used to support the Province’s anti-racism research priorities, which were released in May 2023. Seven research priorities were put forward by the Anti-Racism Data Committee and three by Indigenous Peoples. Results from the survey were used to carry out research in two of the priority areas and will be available for future research.

The Anti-Racism Act, which came into effect on May 16, 2024, requires government to identify and remove barriers affecting Indigenous and racialized people, making it more equitable for them when seeking out government services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public institutions.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Anti-Racism Data Act, view the research findings and actions to date, visit: https://antiracism.gov.bc.ca/

Two backgrounders follow.

Contact:Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Media Relations
778 974-5809

BACKGROUNDER 1

June Francis, chair, Anti-Racism Data Committee –

“It’s essential that the Province now acts on these important findings. We’ll continue to advocate for government to move away from the colonial hiring policies and workplace practices and shift toward a more decolonial, anti-racist and equity-results focused province – one where everybody has equitable employment, and advancement in the public service and access to the services and supports to achieve well-being, connectedness and belonging in all spheres of society.”

Kasari Govender, B.C.’s human rights commissioner –

“It is critical for government to collect and use disaggregated demographic data about how its laws and policies impact different groups differently to address the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic inequalities. In so doing, government must take every measure to ensure the data is not used to further perpetuate the stereotypes and stigma that fuel systemic racism, in accordance with ‘the grandmother perspective’ on data collection described in my 2020 report of the same name. Importantly, we must recognize that race-based data, such as the data released today, measures the impact of systemic racism, rather than the impact of race itself.”

Lissa Dawn Smith, president, Métis Nation British Columbia –

“The release of these statistics is a significant milestone for Métis Nation British Columbia, highlighting the vital contributions of our community and ensuring our voices and experiences are represented in key data. This work underscores our commitment to advancing Métis priorities and fostering greater understanding and inclusion within Canada.”

Michael Winstanley, director of title and rights, Splatsin te Secwépemc –

“The results from the BC Demographic Survey are supporting important research priorities identified by Indigenous Peoples. After reviewing these reports and providing feedback, I feel hopeful about the work the Province is doing under the Anti-Racism Data Act to identify and tackle systemic racism and make public services more inclusive for everyone.”

Koby West, natural resources – referrals co-ordinator, Upper Similkameen Indian Band –

“The emotional toll of racism in our health-care system cannot be overstated. It undermines the trust and well-being of Indigenous Peoples resulting in poorer health outcomes, as seen in the current disproportional burden of disease. This research is a critical step toward creating a more respectful and equitable system that honours the rights and dignity of Indigenous Peoples.”

Prabhi Deol, community navigator, neighbourhood equity and representation, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House –

“Overall, the BC Demographic Survey was an experience that invigorated dialogue on many of the key points raised by the survey, such as tolerance, intersectionality and accessibility.”

Contact:Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Media Relations
778 974-5809

BACKGROUNDER 2

Over recent years, the Province of B.C. has introduced a number of initiatives designed to combat racism, including:

establishing a new racist-incident support help line that can provide trauma-informed, multilingual services to witnesses or victims of hate and make it easier for them to find support;
supporting marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property through an anti-hate community support fund;
implementing the provincewide K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan;
launching the Safer Communities Action Plan, a comprehensive, cross-government plan designed to make B.C. safer for all, including key actions to tackle incidents of hate or discrimination;
opening Indigenous justice centres in partnership with BC First Nations Justice Council to help address the over-incarceration of Indigenous people and build more resilient communities;
using proceeds from assets seized under Unexplained Wealth Orders to fund victim services and anti-racism/hate programs; and
helping community organizations reduce systemic racism and hate incidents through annual Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants.

Contact:Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Media Relations
778 974-5809

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