On June 19, 2020, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix appointed former judge and Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to independently investigate disturbing allegations of Indigenous-specific racism in the B.C. health care system.
No. This is an independent investigation being led by former judge and two-term B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond as Independent Investigator. She has established Terms of Reference and assembled a small team to conduct the investigation.
The provincial government is responsible for the costs of this investigation. The Independent Investigator and her and her team are responsible for conducting it and reporting out.
The goal of the investigation is to inquire into and report on alleged incidents of Indigenous-specific racism in Emergency departments in B.C., situated and examined within a broader context of Indigenous-specific systemic racism in the provincial health care system.
Yes, the investigation team will report out on its findings. The investigation will be conducted in stages and more than one report may be issued. Report(s) will be made to the Minister of Health before Dec. 31, 2020 and will also be made public.
Yes, recommendations on how to improve the health care experience for Indigenous people in B.C. will be made as part of the reporting process.
There are a number of ways to get involved. If you are an Indigenous person, you can share your experiences in the B.C. health care system or any British Columbian can also call us and leave a detailed message for the investigation team at 1-888-600-3078. Or you can email us at addressing_racism@gov.bc.ca.
Yes, the review will take all reasonable steps to collect information in a manner that protects the security of the person interviewed. The review will not disclose personal information of affected individuals without their informed consent. All information will be treated confidentially and in accordance with B.C. privacy legislation. Review records will be sealed and held by the Independent Investigator’s law firm.
If participating in this investigation has adversely affected your mental health or well-being, please see our Supports page for a list of free supports and services or contact us by email at addressing_racism@gov.bc.ca.
If the Independent Investigator has reasonable grounds to believe that any information obtained during the inquiry may be useful in the investigation or prosecution of an offence under the Criminal Code, or disciplinary action applicable to a regulated health profession, the Independent Investigator must forward that information to the appropriate authorities. The Independent Investigator does not hold the power to dismiss or discipline individuals.