Anti-Racism

Last updated on June 1, 2026

Systemic racism affects people across British Columbia and can create barriers to accessing programs, services and opportunities. These barriers can be part of policies, processes and institutions.

Addressing racism requires ongoing work across government, in partnership with communities, to build more equitable and inclusive outcomes for people in the Province.

On this page

The Anti-Racism Act (ARA)

The Government of British Columbia passed the Anti‑Racism Act on May 9, 2024, strengthening the Province’s commitment to identifying and removing systemic racism in policies, programs and services.

The Anti-Racism Act requires government to take action on systemic racism identified through the data collected using the Anti‑Racism Data Act and the experiences of Indigenous and racialized communities. The Act supports people and communities harmed by systemic racism, particularly by finding gaps in government programs, policies or services that create or show unintended inequities in outcomes.

Together, the Anti‑Racism Act and the Anti‑Racism Data Act support lasting improvements in racial equity across British Columbia.

Provincial Anti-Racism Action Plan

Released on June 1, 2026, the Provincial Anti‑Racism Action Plan (PDF, 300KB) sets out the Province’s priorities and commitments to address systemic racism experienced by Indigenous and Racialized communities. The Plan outlines coordinated actions by provincial ministries and agencies, organized across Indigenous-specific and Racialized-community streams.

Key highlights of the two-year Provincial Anti-Racism Action Plan include actions covering jobs, health care, public safety, education, labour, children and family services, the legal system, climate response, finance, municipal affairs and the public service. The Plan provides measurable, practical actions that core ministries will take between 2026 and 2028 to remove barriers to government supports.

The Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA)

We're working hard to make B.C. a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming province for everyone. One of the ways to support this work is the Anti-Racism Data Act, which allows us to collect personal information such as race, age or gender. With this information, we can identify and understand where people are experiencing barriers accessing government services.

The Anti-Racism Data Act became law on June 2, 2022. 

A research-based approach

We’ve heard from many Indigenous and racialized people that they are being left behind because our services weren’t designed with them in mind.

To address this issue, we developed research priorities in collaboration with the Anti-Racism Data Committee and Indigenous Peoples (including BC First Nations and Métis Nation British Columbia). These priorities will keep us focused on the areas that matter most to Indigenous and racialized communities.

On May 30, 2024, we released the first findings from this research. These findings focus on:

  • Racial diversity in the BC Public Service
  • Special education designations
  • Health outcomes for three chronic conditions

We’ll use what we’ve learned to make our services stronger for everyone in B.C.

Addressing systemic racism in government services

We’re also working on other anti-racism initiatives to make B.C. a more inclusive, equitable province.

In the summer of 2023, we heard from more than 200,000 people through the voluntary BC Demographic Survey. The information collected is supporting our anti-racism research.

We’ve also created new mandatory anti-racism training for researchers to complete before they can use this information.

Learn more about our research and the second year of work under the Anti-Racism Data Act on our website.

Check out antiracism.gov.bc.ca

Resilience BC

Access support through Resilience BC

Resilience BC: Anti-Racism Network

Resilience BC is a province-wide Anti-Racism Network. It is currently undergoing a program revamp, with the new program launching in September 2026.

The network connects communities with the information, tools, training, and supports needed to respond effectively to racism and hate while working to prevent future incidents. It operates through a “Hub and Spoke” model, with two regional hubs (North and South) that will coordinate resources and training, paired with community-based spokes that will be active in up to 40 communities across British Columbia.

  • Learn more about racism
    Anti-racism tools, Human Rights documents, news articles, experts and more

  • Find your community network
    You have the right and the responsibility to live in a society free from racism and hate. Connect with your Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network member today using our interactive map.

  • Racist Incident Helpline
    The Racist Incident Helpline is a free, confidential, toll-free service open for calls Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PT) for anyone in British Columbia who has experienced or witnessed racism or hate. It provides culturally safe, trauma-informed support to help individuals navigate their options and connect with community organizations who provide mental health, legal support, peer support. Support is available in 240 languages.(https://racistincidenthelpline.ca)

  • Report and support 
    Every person in British Columbia has a right to feel safe and participate in their community. Racism and hate makes that impossible by creating fear and exclusion. We need to work together to end racism and hate in our communities by understanding hate, how to report it and how to step in when we witness it.

Anti-racism definitions

Definitions of key words and phrases related to anti-racism and equity.

These terms are defined in the context of the Province of British Columbia's anti-racism legislation. We recognize they are not the only definition of the term.

What is anti-racism?

The deliberate act of opposing racism and promoting a society that is thoughtful, inclusive and just.