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About the guidelines

Last updated on January 29, 2026

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Why do we have these guidelines?

These guidelines support work under the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA) which allows ministries to collect, use and share personal information and identity data to help identify and eliminate systemic racism and advance racial equity in programs and services. These guidelines should be used in conjunction with the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and the Racial Identity Data Standard developed under ARDA. The guidelines:

  • Explain how the data standards support government’s anti-racism work under ARDA 
  • Give context for the Indigenous and racial identity data standards
  • Provide information to help apply them 

Who are these guidelines for?

The definition of “public bodies” in ARDA is limited to B.C. government ministries (ministries). This means that only ministries, and service providers collecting, using and/or disclosing personal information for a ministry pursuant to an agreement, may rely on the authority under ARDA to collect, use and disclose personal information. For questions about the definition of a “service provider” or about whether a specific service provider has authority under ARDA, please contact your ministry privacy officer or Legal Services Branch. 

Ministries that collect, use or disclose Indigenous and/or racial identity information under ARDA should apply the Indigenous Identity and Racial Identity Data Standards and use these guidelines. 

Ministries and other public bodies collecting, using or disclosing Indigenous and/or racial identity information under another legislative authority (for example, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) are encouraged to use the variables and values in the standards and draw on these guidelines for support.

While these guidelines provides guidance on standards developed under the Province’s legal authority, they do not provide direction or guidance on Indigenous legal orders, which have distinct sources of authority.

Who should I contact for help on these guidelines?

For questions or comments regarding these guidelines please email data-act@gov.bc.ca.

What if there is a discrepancy between the standards and these guidelines?

In case of any discrepancy between a standard and these guidelines, the respective standard is the authoritative document.

Distinctions-based

We acknowledge the specific rights, interests, priorities and concerns of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. We respect and acknowledge their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws and governments.

Acknowledgments

The Government of B.C. developed the Indigenous Identity and Racial Identity Data Standards (the Identity data standards) and guidelines in consultation and cooperation with First Nations in B.C. and Métis Nation British Columbia (Indigenous Peoples), and in collaboration with the Anti-Racism Data Committee.

The committee published the Anti-Racism Data Committee report and provided input into the Identity data standards and guidelines, reflecting extensive discussion on the potential of disaggregated data to advance equity alongside the challenges of collecting such data safely and responsibly. Recognizing definitions, language, knowledge and experiences change over time, the data standards and accompanying guidelines are intended to evolve through periodic review and updates.

The Anti-Racism Data Committee has provided advice and input to the Ministry of Citizens' Services and anticipates continued engagement as the data standards advance through implementation and learning, in support of highlighting systemic inequalities and injustices of Indigenous peoples and racialized communities.

This work was also supported by advice from B.C.’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, B.C.’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and other subject matter experts from within and outside of the B.C. government. The Ministry of Citizens’ Services would like to recognize and acknowledge the people and organizations who contributed to this work. Thank you for your expertise, wisdom and thoughtful comments during our work together.

Guidelines as a living document

Recognizing definitions, language, knowledge and experiences change over time, the data standards and these guidelines will evolve with those changes through periodic reviews and updates.