Anti-Racism Data Act

The B.C. government has introduced its Anti-Racism Data Act, designed to collect and report anonymous data on discrimination faced by Indigenous and racial minorities interacting with provincial services.

The B.C. government has introduced its Anti-Racism Data Act, designed to collect and report anonymous data on discrimination faced by Indigenous and racial minorities interacting with provincial services.

Premier John Horgan said Monday the law is needed because “systemic racism and the long-lasting effects of colonialism” have held people back in their education, job opportunities, housing, health care and in dealing with the justice system, adding that “these injustices are compounded when Indigenous peoples and racialized communities ask for action, only to be told by government to provide evidence using data that is not being collected”. 

The project will begin with a B.C. Stats population survey in November to collect voluntary and anonymous data on people’s experience with provincial ministries, with the first annual public report to come in May 2023. Other provincial agencies of government are to be included in future years.

The province has provided $1.1 million in grants to about 70 community organizations, and hired a consulting company to engage with cultural, faith, disability, and Indigenous communities.