Summary

• In its second year (2025-26), the Racist Incident Helpline received 673 calls, with 92% of callers saying their needs were met
• The helpline is expanding to support people who are experiencing hate based on sexual orientation, gender identity
• Since launch, the helpline has provided more than 3,500 referrals to support services, such as legal support, mental health care and community services

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People in British Columbia who experience racism continue to be supported through the Province’s Racist Incident Helpline, which is expanding to also support people who experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Incidents of hate are rarely driven by a single factor. People who are targeted deserve support that reflects who they are and what they’ve experienced,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Expanding the helpline ensures that when incidents of hate do occur, more people can access services that are inclusive, culturally appropriate and responsive to their needs.”

The Racist Incident Helpline is a toll-free, multilingual service for people who have experienced discrimination based on the colour of their skin, culture, ethnicity or place of origin. Callers receive support, guidance and referrals to community support services.

In its second year of operation (2025-26), the helpline received calls from 673 people seeking help dealing with racism and made more than 1,600 referrals to support services. On average, each caller was connected to two services, reflecting the range of supports people need, including legal advice, mental-health services and peer support.

Expanding support to address hate holistically

In the first two years, the Racist Incident Helpline received calls from members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including individuals who identified as transgender, non-binary or other. While the helpline has always welcomed calls from 2SLGBTQIA+ people, it was previously limited in its ability to connect them with specialized services. To address this gap, QMUNITY, an experienced, non-profit service provider, will join the helpline’s referral network and will provide culturally appropriate, community-based supports.

“At a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across B.C. are experiencing rising hate, isolation and barriers to support, this funding helps ensure people have somewhere affirming to turn,” said Michaël Robach, interim executive director, QMUNITY. “Through this partnership, we will be able to better connect vulnerable people to crucial services, help them navigate complicated systems and expand access to much-needed affirming care across B.C.”

Helpline data highlights (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

• Overall, 92% of callers said their needs were met in the helpline’s second year of operation.
• Nearly 4% of callers who disclosed their age were 19 or younger, while more than one in four callers was over 60.
• The most common type of hate reported was harassment (27%), followed by verbal slurs (24%) and threats (13%). Just under 9% of the reports were about a physical incident.
• Forty-six callers were referred by helpline staff to RCMP or the Vancouver Police Department.

In 2025-26, the Province invested approximately $2.7 million in the 38 community organizations that make up the helpline’s referral network. These organizations provide culturally safe services where people live and have expanded their capacity to respond to community needs. Further improvements to the grant system are expected in fall 2026.

The Racist Incident Helpline is part of government’s broader work to address racism in B.C., including the Province’s first Anti-Racism Action Plan, published in June this year. The plan lays out commitments core ministries are making to remove racist barriers that inhibit Indigenous and racialized people’s access to government programs and services.

Quotes:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives –

“When talking to people who have experienced hate, it is common to hear that they were targeted not just because of their race, but also because of other factors like the way they express their gender or what their immigration status is. The expansion of the helpline’s referral network helps us make sure that people dealing with trauma are connected to supports that respond to the full context of their experiences, not just one aspect of their identity.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity –

“Hate has no place in our communities. Expanding the Racist Incident Helpline to serve 2SLGBTQIA+ communities means more people can access affirming, queer-competent and culturally appropriate help when they need it most. This is an important step toward ensuring everyone in B.C. feels seen and supported.”

Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services –

“People in British Columbia deserve to feel safe and be treated respectfully in their communities. This is a key priority for my ministry’s work under the Anti-Racism Data Act, a key driver of our work with the Attorney General and the foundation of the Racist Incident Helpline. This is how we build a stronger B.C. for everyone.”

Quick Facts:

• The helpline is accessible at 1-833-457-5463 (1 833 HLP-LINE) from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays. After-hours callers can leave a voicemail requesting a call back during regular hours.
• Service is offered in more than 240 languages, including French, Punjabi and Mandarin.
• For immediate assistance or in the case of an emergency, people should call 911.

Learn More:

• For more about the Racist Incident Helpline, visit: https://racistincidenthelpline.ca/
• For more about the Anti-Racism Act and action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33845
• To learn how B.C. is keeping people safe and communities strong, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/safecommunities
• For more about the Resilience B.C. Anti-Racism Network, visit: https://www.resiliencebc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.