Addressing Racism in B.C. Health Care
Engagement Summary
On June 19, 2020, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix appointed Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to lead an independent review into allegations of racism in the province’s health care system.
The purpose of the review was 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 health care system in B.C.; to collect data and information to understand the presence and extent of Indigenous-specific discrimination in health services in B.C.; and to make recommendations.
Visit the engagement site for details.
Engagement Timeframe
June 2020 to March 2021
Survey Timeframe
July 9 to August 27, 2020
Input Received
- 2,780 respondents to Indigenous Peoples’ survey
- 5,440 respondents to the Health Care Workers’ survey
- 600 respondents by email and phone
- 150 key informant interviews
- Examination of data for at least 185,000 First Nations and Métis people in BC
Input leads to action:
The report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care, concludes that this problem is widely acknowledged by many who work in the system, including those in leadership positions. The report makes 24 recommendations to address what is a systemic problem, deeply rooted in colonialism.
Read the full report, the summary report, and the February 2021 data report as well as an accompanying piece on the relationship between the reports and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.