â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Province introducing anti-racism data act

The B.C. government is introducing a new act with the goal of dismantling systemic racism and discrimination in B.C.

Provincial officials said the anti-racism act will collect data to help identify gaps in programs and services and allow the government to meet the needs of Indigenous, Black and racialized British Columbians.

“Our province is shaped by diversity with people from all over the world choosing to come to B.C. to build a better life,” said Premier John Horgan in a release. “But for too long, systemic racism and the long-lasting effects of colonialism have unfairly held people back when it comes to education, job opportunities, housing and more.”

“These injustices are compounded when Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities ask for action, only to be told by government to provide evidence using data that is not being collected. Today, we are taking an important step toward building a more equitable province by shining a light on barriers that exist so we can improve services and make life better for everyone.”

The act was created through the input of more than 13,000 British Columbians. B.C. government officials said more than 90 per cent of racialized people who provided feedback believed that collecting intersectional demographic data could bring positive change in B.C.

Intersectional demographic data includes ethnic origin, ancestry, faith, ability and gender identity.

“It is long overdue to finally move beyond institutionalized denialism and publicly commit to addressing anti-Indigenous racism in British Columbia, using the tools that are necessary such as data collection, information sharing and public reporting,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in a release.

“If accurate data is not collected, then First Nations people are often not believed when we describe the impact of racism and discrimination against First Nations. This new legislation will bring needed changes to support respectful and ethical approaches to data collection, data standards and consistency in reporting and addressing how First Nations access or receive necessary supports and services in British Columbia.”

Provincial officials said there are safeguards in place to protect people’s information and keep it from being abused.

Josiah Spyker
Josiah Spyker
Josiah is an integral part of our East Kootenay team. Since joining Vista Radio in 2021, he has combined his love of community and sport in his reporting for the news team, while also stepping in as an on-air announcer.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Infrastructure, housing, UNDRIP will top agenda as local governments meet in Victoria next week

Members of local governments and First Nations are gathering in Victoria next week for the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention.

B.C. Conservatives support federal bill to classify intimate partner killings as first-degree murder

B.C. politicians are voicing support for a federal Conservative bill that would classify the killing of an intimate partner as first-degree murder. 

Whitewater eyes funding to pave access road

Whitewater Ski Resort is asking the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to back its bid to pave a six-kilometre stretch of the Whitewater Access Road.

“Please stop”: Eby says Alberta’s pipeline dream jeopardizes B.C. projects

Premier David Eby said Alberta’s push for a new pipeline is a threat to existing major projects in B.C. 

Nelson Leafs coach prepares for puck drop

Nelson Leads head coach Barry Wolff is eager for the puck to drop tonight as the KIJHL season officially begins, with Nelson hosting the Kimberley Dynamiters.
- Advertisement -