A new report highlights anti-racism efforts by the Government of Alberta. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Alberta highlights ‘significant progress’ in anti-racism efforts

Dec 15, 2023 | 11:41 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has provided updates on its efforts to combat racism.

Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council (AARAC), launched in July 2022, has released its inaugural progress report.

Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen says it highlights cross-government actions to fight racism, celebrate diversity, and strengthen social inclusion.

“This report shows how our government is fulfilling promises and putting actions in place to address the issues around racism and discrimination. These are complex issues that require ongoing work, but our efforts are making a difference,” said Yaseen. “We are proud of the significant progress we have made over the past year and are committed to continued action to ensure all Albertans have fair access to government programs, services and opportunities.”

Some of the actions taken over the past year include:

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• Creating a Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism to provide advice on ways to support,
  inspire and promote cultural diversity and inclusion in Alberta.
• Appointing two hate crimes community liaisons.
• Creating an Indigenous Primary Health Care Advisory Panel.
• Launching the Indigenous Business Support Program.
• Amending the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation to include racialized people and newcomers in prioritization.
• Implementing the Alberta Broadband Strategy in rural and Indigenous communities.
• Mandating cultural diversity and inclusion training for Alberta Sheriff recruits.
• Instituting government-wide training and support initiatives, including Respect in the Workplace and Unconscious Bias training, and the Indigenous and Visible Minority Mobility Program.

Despite the progress made, however, AARAC Co-Chair Sania Chaudhry said a lot of work still needs to be done as Alberta is not a “post-racism society.”

“Racism continues both in the form of express hate but also insidious and systemic forms that are implicit and unconscious. The council has focused on empowering and consulting with communities, and on the importance of meaningful and transparent change,” said Chaudhry. “We are pleased to see the significant progress made last year and look forward to continuing to make more progress on anti-racism.”

According to the 2021 federal census, approximately 23 per cent of Alberta’s population consists of immigrants, 25 per cent are visible minorities, and almost seven per cent are Indigenous.

The full report, titled Taking Action on Racism: Year in Review, can be read on the Government of Alberta website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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