Agriculture Minister Popham and NDP need to seriously look into alleged discrimination against South Asian veterinarians

AN Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Organizational Assessment report of the College of Veterinarians of BC (CVBC) dated September 12, 2024 — a 13-month project – states: “Survey respondents indicated that more opportunities for EDI training and guidance is required for those who hold positions of power within the organization, so that decisions can be made in culturally responsive ways.”

It adds: “More EDI training and guidance opportunities would also help identify and address inherent biases in CVBC’s processes that lead to discrimination against equity-deserving registrants.”

The report also states: “A large number of survey responses indicate that there is existing and continuing discrimination within the CVBC, including the overrepresentation of equity-deserving registrants in investigation cases, and the lack of understanding and empathy experienced from council and committee members. Discrimination against equity-deserving registrants also persists despite anti-discrimination policies of the organization. Survey respondents reported experiencing trauma from unfair investigation processes and being wrongfully accused of misconduct.”

It says: “Survey respondents call for more transparency around the decisions made by committees and the council, and more accountability from the organization to address discriminatory behaviours. There is also a desire to see processes (like investigations) carried out through an equity framework or lens.”

 

SO, it came as no surprise to learn that while there are currently as many as 30 hearings against South Asian veterinarians, causing them distress as well as financial loss, there appear to be none against others.

But that conundrum is easy to comprehend when interviews with a raft of veterinarians allege that the powerful CVBC Investigation Committee seems to go out of the way to pursue any real or imaginary grievance against a South Asian veterinarian while conveniently justifying lapses by non-South Asian veterinarians.

Let’s just look at the case of the veterinarian who chose one of two medicines allowed to treat a pet in a certain situation. They were told that they should have used the other alternative and fined $40,000 and suspended for a month. The veterinarian spent $100,000 trying to defend himself.

There are allegations that in cases where similar mistakes have been made, while the South Asian veterinarian received a hefty fine, the non-South Asian one was let off on some pretext on the other.

Also, when a case involves a non-South Asian veterinarian, it is closed as soon as possible, while South Asian veterinarians’ cases tend to drag on, causing them huge financial losses.

So, superficially, it would appear that South Asians are the problem. But an in-depth look into this dismal state of affairs seems to suggest racial bias and sheer incompetence on the part of the management.

We are purposely not using names here because as it is there is this bias against the South Asians and stating names only serves to victimize individuals further.

But it is for Premier David Eby and his minister in charge of this portfolio to take a deeper look at this festering problem.

 

THE veterinarians met with Lara Popham, who was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food last November, a few days ago, but it appears that bureaucrats misled or confused her.

There is that saying ‘there are lies, damn lies and statistics,’ and you can twist the statistics anyway you like to prove a point. But look beyond the numbers at the reality of the situation.

Like: ‘oh, so many complaints!’ But exactly what are those complaints and how should they really be tackled?

Popham should set up an unbiased panel to look into the matter without delay. Rules should be applied the same way for all veterinarians. Some years ago, that systemic racism in CVBC was exposed by mainstream media, and if this is creeping back, it must be halted immediately.

Meanwhile, the government shouldn’t allow the CVBC to increase membership fees of veterinarians until this matter is properly resolved.

That is because the veterinarians say that money will continue to be used to target more South Asian veterinarians.

In fact, the government should order a comprehensive audit of CVBC expenses. Why should anyone be afraid of the truth?!

 

ADDED to all this alleged racism is the shameful situation under the NDP government where the Human Rights Tribunal does not have money to deal with a case of four South Asian veterinarians!

That case has been in limbo since 2017.

Perhaps, we should wait for a B.C. Conservative government to finance the Tribunal.

Meanwhile, we strongly suggest that Eby and Popham go through the “An Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Organizational Assessment” report of the College of Veterinarians of BC.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.