KELOWNA – Community and Indigenous organizations throughout B.C. are receiving
funds to engage their communities, create awareness and encourage everyone to
take part in the BC Demographic Survey.
The Ministry of Citizens’ Services has awarded almost $88,000 to 35 organizations in
the first round of community grants to promote the survey.
“We all deserve to live in a society that provides fair and impartial opportunities to
thrive,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “We continue to work with
community organizations to encourage participation in the BC Demographic Survey
with groups that may not have heard about the survey.”
The Anti–Racism Data Act allows government to safely collect race–based data
through the BC Demographic Survey. This data will be used to help identify and
eliminate systemic racism from government services.
“It is timely for everyone to complete the BC Demographic Survey,” said Shirley
Chau, Anti–Racism Data Committee member. “The survey is an important
opportunity for everyone, including people who have recently moved to B.C. from
other provinces and from around the world, to help the B.C. government better
understand service use and how to improve it.”
The ministry will continue to accept grant applications until early August. Community
organizations and Indigenous groups are encouraged to apply and raise awareness of
the BC Demographic Survey within their communities.
“As an organization whose mission it is to foster diversity, collaboration and
resourcefulness for community, family and individual needs, KCR Community
Resources is grateful to help address racism and systemic inequities in provincial
systems by providing opportunity and access to often marginalized voices for the
Demographic Survey,” said Ellen Boelcke, executive director, KCR Community
Resources. “We recognize the need for authentic lived experiences being shared with
the government, in a safe and meaningful way and we are proud to be an
organization that can support this initiative.”
The BC Demographic Survey is part of the Province’s cross–government work to
collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities to dismantle
systemic racism and build a better, more inclusive province. (news.gov.bc.ca)
