B.C. unveils Anti-Racism Action Plan targeting systemic barriers

A stock image of a medical professional taking notes while listening to a patient.

The B.C. government has launched an Anti-Racism Action Plan outlining 37 commitments over two years aimed at addressing barriers Indigenous and racialized people face when accessing public services.

Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a statement the plan responds to ongoing inequities in government services.

“Despite progress, too many people in B.C. still face racism when accessing services meant to help everyone,” Sharma said. “This plan sets out clear actions to undo the unfair and unjust legacy of systemic racism.”

The plan involves 17 ministries and agencies and includes actions across health care, education, public safety, the justice system, labour, children and family services, climate response, finance, municipal affairs and the public service.

It is informed by research under the province’s Anti-Racism Data Act, community engagement and advice from the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism.

Among the commitments is work to develop an ethical approach to the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector. A multidisciplinary group will be established to identify risks linked to bias in AI systems and recommend ways to address them.

In health care, the plan responds to findings from the In Plain Sight report and other research on experiences of discrimination reported by Indigenous and racialized patients. A new centre for anti-racism and cultural safety will be established within the Ministry of Health, along with updated training requirements for health-care workers.

In public safety and the justice system, the province will pilot a Red Dress alert system to support responses when Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people go missing. Funding is also included for community-based safety supports and services for people affected by racism.

The plan also includes actions related to temporary foreign workers, newcomers and gig workers, including reviewing employment standards and supports and improving access to information on rights and services.

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said the plan focuses on implementation.

“Moving government’s anti-racism work beyond symbolism… to strengthen and expand initiatives that Indigenous and racialized communities have long called for,” she said.

Hasan Alam, chair of the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism, said the plan is an initial step.

“Addressing institutional racism and the barriers it creates is not easy work, and we know much remains ahead,” he said. “But we hope this plan marks an important first step.”

The province says progress will be tracked publicly, with annual updates beginning in 2027 and a further plan expected in 2028.