New Committee Launches To Dismantle Systemic Racism

A new provincial committee has begun work to remove systemic barriers that make access to government programs and services challenging for racialized people in British Columbia.

“Undoing the legacy of racism in our government is more important now than ever,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General.

“The work of this committee will impact all of government’s programs and services going forward. I thank the appointees for stepping up to help improve the lives of all British Columbians.”

The Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism’s first meetings were held last week and the group will continue to meet throughout the year.

Chair Hasan Alam says the committee is the result of decades of advocacy by racialized communities to dismantle systemic racism in B.C.

“My fellow committee members and I are committed to ensuring the voices of those most affected by racism are heard loud and clear through meaningful engagement with marginalized communities across the province, so we can finally move toward building a more equitable and just B.C. for everyone.”

While the committee advises government on how data can be used to identify systemic racism, the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism will use the information to take action toward dismantling systemic racism.

In addition, the committee will help develop anti-racism training standards for public bodies; provide input on public education and awareness strategies about anti-racism; and consult with public bodies and engage racialized community members on implementing the Anti-Racism Act.

Indigenous perspectives on the Anti-Racism Act and the action plan will be incorporated through direct government-to-government consultation and co-operation with First Nations, the First Nations Leadership Council, the Alliance of Modern Treaty Nations and Métis Nation BC.

The Anti-Racism Act requires the action plan to be published by June 1, 2026.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.