Feedback from people in British Columbia about how upcoming anti-racism legislation should address systemic racism is now available online in the form of “what we heard” reports.
The feedback was collected in 2023, including an online questionnaire, discussions with racialized people led by community organizations, and targeted consultation and co-development with the First Nations Leadership Council, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and Métis Nation British Columbia.
The aim of this engagement was to hear from people how government should address systemic racism in its programs and services and remove existing barriers.
More than 7-thousand people took part in discussions, and common themes included the need for more thorough education across all levels of society, starting in the K-12 education system and extending to professionals in public services, including teachers, employers, health-care workers and law-enforcement officials.
There is also a call to establish clear accountability and reporting measures, and the need to acknowledge and address the unique forms of racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples.
The province says the community feedback, paired with information gathered under the Anti-Racism Data Act, is being used to guide new anti-racism legislation that will be introduced this Spring.
To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.