Anti-Racism Legislation
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Overview
Who: The Ministry of the Attorney General
What: Broader legislation that will build on the Anti-Racism Data Act
Where: Province-wide
Why: To address systemic racism within our governments and institutions
How: Online
Engagement summary
The Province is developing broader anti-racism legislation that builds on the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA), which became law in June 2022. This legislation will address the broader challenges of systemic racism, inequity and discrimination in B.C.
This anti-racism legislation is being co-developed and informed by Indigenous Peoples and other racialized communities. All members of the public are welcome to participate in the online public questionnaire.
The legislation is set to be introduced in Spring 2024.
Visit the engage site to learn more or view in a different language.
Read the information bulletin.
July 27, 2023 news release: Sixty-eight organizations receive grants to help shape anti-racism legislation
Why legislation is needed
Government is a colonial institution and many of its policies and programs were developed at a time when the legislature did not represent the cultural diversity of the province. As a result, government’s foundation was built on racist and discriminatory beliefs, policies, attitudes and behaviours. Much of this has gone unchanged and unaddressed.
This is unacceptable. The Province plays a critical role in making sure our systems and institutions are safe and inclusive for everyone.
This legislation is part of how the Province is working with communities to address racism and hate.
In June 2022, the Anti-Racism Data Act became law. The Act supports government to identify systemic racism through the collection of race-based data. It helps identify barriers to government programs and services. Once these barriers are identified and backed by data, they can be addressed so more people can equally benefit from government supports.
The broader anti-racism legislation being introduced in 2024 builds on the Anti-Racism Data Act by ensuring that government takes action to dismantle systemic racism and advance racial equity in British Columbia.
The legislation will:
- Create a government-wide anti-racism strategy to implement the legislation.
- Address Indigenous specific racism
- Using data acquired from the Anti-Racism Data Act, the Province will take action to dismantle systemic racism and advance racial equity in B.C.
- Measure and report on our progress
- Hold ourselves accountable to the priorities of Indigenous People and other racialized communities
- Invest in healing Indigenous and other racialized communities harmed by racism
- Promote, encourage and invest in compliance approaches
How your contribution makes a difference
Your feedback will help us understand people’s experience of racism within government programs and services and how to address the barriers and omissions that disadvantage Indigenous, Black and other racialized people when trying to get the help they need.
