Anti-racism research will help address gaps in government services

THE Province has released initial research findings into barriers experienced by Indigenous Peoples and racialized people in the public service, schools and health care.

“Racism and discrimination impact people every day,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services, on Thursday. “That is why we are taking action to identify challenges and fix gaps, so we can make sure public services work better for everyone in B.C. These initial research findings confirm what racialized and Indigenous people already know and will help us create a more inclusive and equitable province.”

The initial research findings using data from the BC Demographic Survey and other sources indicate:

* systemic barriers for Indigenous and racialized individuals in the BC Public Service, including under-representation as employees, particularly in management and executive roles;

* racialized students tended to be less likely to receive any special-needs designation than the average student in the K-12 system; and

* Indigenous people may be disproportionately affected by diabetes, asthma and mood and anxiety disorders.

Government is working to address these challenges, including:

* improving hiring practices and workplace culture, and working to ensure the people who are shaping and delivering public services reflect the diversity of B.C.’s population;

* increasing support and opportunities for Indigenous and racialized people to succeed in their careers, making sure all students receive the support they need; and

* strengthening health-care services to improve outcomes.

“The existence of systemic racism is not a secret, but without concrete statistics, Indigenous and racialized people have often been ignored when talking about it,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “Thanks to the research being carried out under the Anti-Racism Data Act, we now have clear facts to use as evidence. This information has been and will continue to be invaluable in strengthening the Anti-Racism Act, and our collective efforts to make a fairer B.C. that works better for everyone.”

The Anti-Racism Data Act came into effect in 2022 and requires the Province to publish statistics or other information respecting systemic racism and racial equity by June 1 each year. This is the first release of research findings under the act. Researchers used data from the BC Demographic Survey and other sources.

From June to October 2023, more than 200,000 people filled out the BC Demographic Survey, providing information about their identity, such as race and gender. Survey responses are being used to support the Province’s anti-racism research priorities, which were released in May 2023. Seven research priorities were put forward by the Anti-Racism Data Committee and three by Indigenous Peoples. Results from the survey were used to carry out research in two of the priority areas and will be available for future research.

The Anti-Racism Act, which came into effect on May 16, 2024, requires government to identify and remove barriers affecting Indigenous and racialized people, making it more equitable for them when seeking out government services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public institutions.

 

Learn More:

To learn more about the Anti-Racism Data Act, view the research findings and actions to date, visit: https://antiracism.gov.bc.ca/