Image: Racial diversity / Igor Mojzes / Dreamstime

By Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Breaking down barriers: New anti-racism legislation in B.C.

Apr 18, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe everywhere in B.C., and to have equal access to public services. But we know that this is not always the case for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. That’s why our government introduced new legislation this week to help address racism at every level.

In a province as diverse as British Columbia, the expectation of equal access to opportunities should be universal, transcending cultural backgrounds, origins, and skin colors. But many of our programs and systems, including those within the provincial government, were created without accounting for the unique needs of Indigenous and racialized communities, leading to systemic barriers that hinder success for too many.

This week our New Democrat government introduced the Anti-Racism Act, crafted in collaboration with racialized and Indigenous people. We know that legislation alone cannot eradicate racism—it requires ongoing dedication and action, to which we are committed. However, this legislative framework is a key step towards building actively anti-racist systems, fostering a more just and equitable society for all British Columbians.

This legislation will require the provincial government to fortify checks and balances to address racism across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and the justice system. A new anti-racism committee will spearhead a government-wide strategy and regularly report on our progress. Additionally, we’re working to recruit and retain more Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals within the public service, so that those who are serving our province and making decisions about policy actually reflect the diversity of people who live here.

Crucially, this legislation will further empower Indigenous and racialized communities to combat racism on a local and provincial level. The people who are most impacted by racism should not have to bear the financial burden of identifying and fighting it. That’s why we are providing grants to groups and organizations doing this important work.

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This new legislation was not developed in isolation – it was the result of extensive public engagement, with input from a diverse array of voices. I want to thank everyone for their contributions – we received 2,100 responses online and heard from 225 community-led discussions.

This legislation is a historic step on our collective journey towards a safer, more equitable British Columbia. It complements existing community-led anti-racism initiatives, amplifying our resolve to create a province where everyone not only resides but thrives.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.