Taking action against systemic racism (flickr.com)

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Ministry of Attorney General

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Backgrounders

What people are saying about the Anti-Racism Action Plan (2026-28)

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary of anti-racism initiatives –

“The anti-racism action plan is a significant step forward in moving government’s anti-racism work beyond symbolism, by focusing on practical, evidence-based actions to strengthen and expand initiatives that Indigenous and racialized communities have long called for. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners to help build a more just and inclusive B.C. for generations to come.”

Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services –

“Anti-racism work is ultimately about people’s experiences, opportunities and sense of belonging. The Anti Racism Action Plan was developed based on the Anti Racism Data Committee’s work and sets out clear, concrete steps to remove barriers and ensure public services are delivered with dignity and equity. This important work reinforces our commitment to building a more equitable B.C. in a time when diversity, equity and inclusion efforts face increased threat across North America.”

Hasan Alam, chair, Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism –

“Since February 2025, the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism has worked tirelessly alongside government to shape this action plan. Addressing institutional racism and the barriers it creates is not easy work, and we know much remains ahead. But we hope this plan marks an important first step, one that moves British Columbia closer to being a place where everyone can live, work and belong with dignity.”

Robert Phillips, political executive member, First Nations Summit –

“The Anti-Racism Action Plan represents an opportunity to move beyond simply acknowledging systemic racism, and toward real meaningful actions and accountability. First Nations have long identified the harms created by colonial systems, and we are helping lead the solutions. We will continue to work alongside government to ensure that First Nations and other racialized groups in B.C. can engage with public institutions in ways that acknowledge the negative impacts of systemic racism and genuinely work to address them.”

Hegus John Hackett, Tla’amin Nation, on behalf of the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations –

“At a time when we are seeing an alarming surge in anti-Indigenous racism across the province, meaningful action is urgently needed to address systemic discrimination and rebuild trust in public institutions. The Anti-Racism Action Plan is an important step in respecting Indigenous rights, histories and perspectives, helping to ensure they are reflected in government policies, services and decision-making. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Province to support lasting change for current and future generations.”

Celeste Hayward, executive director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres –

“Friendship centres see the realities of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination every day. Meaningful progress and real change require sustained partnership between government and Indigenous organizations, as well as investment, transparency and accountability. We welcome the Province’s first Anti-Racism Action Plan as an important step toward addressing the systemic racism that continues to impact Indigenous communities across British Columbia.”

Pamela Charron, executive director, the Worker Solidarity Network –

“Equity-deserving workers continue to face significant barriers in accessing justice, from complex complaint processes and legal jargon to language barriers and lengthy wait times. The Worker Solidarity Network welcomes the anti-racism action plan and its commitment to making employment and human rights systems more accessible, equitable and responsive to the realities workers face. These actions are an important step toward ensuring meaningful access to justice for all workers.”

Anthonia Ogundele, founder and executive director, Ethós Lab –

“We welcome the Province’s Anti-Racism Action Plan as an important step toward making public services fairer and more inclusive for everyone. Addressing systemic racism is essential to building a province where people can truly access the opportunities that rapid innovation brings. It’s encouraging to see a strong focus on community voices and responsible use of technology so that innovation supports equity and works for all.”

June Francis, chair, Anti-Racism Data Committee –

“The Anti-Racism Data Committee has been calling for government to act on the important findings coming out of its anti-racism research for the last three years so it is encouraging to see this plan build on the foundation established under the Anti-Racism Data Act, including research priorities recommended by the committee, which commit government to concrete steps to address systemic racism across its programs and services. While strong data and research are essential bases for action, implementing the action plan and creating measurable change must remain the central outcome of this work. We look forward to seeing sustained progress over the coming years, and will continue to hold government accountable to a robust agenda for ensuring data is collected, governed and used in meaningful and culturally safe ways to remove barriers faced by Indigenous and racialized people in government-service treatment, impact and outcomes.”