"I'm not racist, but . . ." How many times have we heard people use this phrase to justify a racist comment or attitude? Many people think that racism is a thing of the past. But, in reality, racism does still exist in Canada, and in your community.

Racism is a set of mistaken assumptions, opinions and actions resulting from the belief that one group of people, categorized by colour or ancestry, is inherently superior to another. It can be experienced in many ways, including attitudes and behaviours, values and norms of society, and rules and policies of organizations.

Subtle types of racism such as stereotypes and jokes or slang are just as detrimental as more open displays of racism because they validate racist behaviours and attitudes.

In British Columbia, we are constantly working to address racism to ensure the province is a safe, welcoming place to live while maintaining our multicultural advantage in a global economy.

People who are victims of racial discrimination can feel hurt, lonely, angry and sad. They may feel excluded by society and so don't participate in their communities. Racism can affect a victim's health, safety, happiness and security.

It is everyone's responsibility to help end racism and affect positive change in our communities. We can do this a number of ways including:

• Recognizing that we may have some racist beliefs.
• Challenging the status quo.
• Questioning one-sided narratives.
• Putting aside the practice of discrimination that is fueled by past perceptions and historical events.
• Changing our own attitudes.

Ultimately, it is up to each of us to counter racism through the actions we take both individually and collectively. By supporting opportunities to talk within and between communities we can promote multiculturalism and tackle racism.

The roots of multiculturalism run deep in our society. It is the responsibility of every British Columbian to ensure that it flourishes and grows for the benefit of everyone today and for future generations.

Quote:

Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat -

"Racism has no place in today's society. Cultural diversity and increased participation and engagement by all cultures is vitally important to create a strong and vibrant social and economic future for British Columbia."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2002, over $9.1 million has been spent on funding programs and initiatives promoting multiculturalism, addressing racism and building inclusive communities in British Columbia.
• Almost 30 per cent of British Columbians have immigrated to this province from other countries.
• One-quarter of the people in B.C. are self-identified visible minorities, and five per cent identify as Aboriginal.
• The most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year.
• In 2010, the Provincial Multiculturalism Vision was adopted: British Columbia is a model society that embraces the cultures and traditions of its people with opportunities for all to live and grow.
• Every year, the third week of November in British Columbia is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week.

Learn More:

Minister Teresa Wat - 2013 statement on Multiculturalism Week: https://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/11/bc-multiculturalism-week---celebrate-our-differences.html

EmbraceBC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

WelcomeBC - Information and services for new British Columbians: www.welcomebc.ca

B.C. Multicultural Advisory Council: http://tinyurl.com/n4nvauv

Anti-Racism Resources: http://www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/resources/index.page?WT.svl=LeftNav

The Province and various organizations in British Columbia have the resources and capacity to offer workshops about teaching anti-racism and anti-oppression.

For an up-to-date list of organizations and resources available, please contact:

Public Education Coordinator
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism
Government of British Columbia
EmbraceBC@gov.bc.ca

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-0613