MLA Rachna Singh (Image Credit: Flickr / Government of BC)

By Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives

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RACISM HAS A LONG HISTORY in British Columbia and still exists today. From the Japanese internment camps to recent hate crimes against the Asian community, racism in B.C. is pervasive, systemic and violent. Everyone in our province has the right to live without fear of discrimination or violence in any form.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes, particularly against the Asian community. These numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as stigma and fear keep many people from reporting.

As New Democrats, we are committed to fighting racism and discrimination and protecting human rights. One way we are doing this is supporting the work that is being done to promote understanding on the ground in communities.

In Kamloops and communities across B.C., there are people and organizations who work hard every day to promote understanding, respect and dialogue across cultures. By starting conversations and helping under-represented voices to be heard, they create real change.

Our multiculturalism grants program is providing support to two such projects in Kamloops.

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The Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society is receiving a grant for their project to improve the school learning environment for Black, Indigenous and students of colour. They will be collecting a portfolio of testimonials from youth about their experiences with racism and discrimination. These real-life stories will be used to inform programs and materials at the local school district, so that students will be able to see themselves reflected in their learning materials.

The Kamloops Art Gallery is using its grant to bring together neighbouring arts organizations to present an exhibition that honours the work of local Indigenous artists. The gallery will work with the Secwepemc Museum to include historical belongings and objects that ground the exhibition in the local context. The goal is to deepen cultural understanding and engage people in discussions around issues including systemic racism as a means of fostering resilience and recovery.

This grant program is just one way the B.C. New Democrat government is working to address systemic racism and protect human rights. We reinstated the B.C. Human Rights Commission in 2019 after it was dismantled by the former B.C. Liberal government. We have launched an investigation into allegations of racism in B.C.’s healthcare system, and we are currently developing a comprehensive, multi-year anti-racism action plan for the K-12 education system.

Last year, New Democrats struck a special committee of the legislature to review the 45-year-old Police Act to modernize it, with a specific focus on addressing systemic racism. We have also committed to introducing a new anti-racism act and legislation on race-based data collection. Race-based data will help government clearly identify the gaps and barriers so we can better provide services for communities.

We know that there is still more work to do so that every person in B.C. can feel safe, welcomed and respected. I applaud the hard work that so many people are doing to speak out and stand against racism and discrimination in Kamloops and across the province. We are standing with you.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.