New survey will help fill gaps in government services
VICTORIA – Everyone living in B.C. is encouraged to take the BC
Demographic Survey to help identify systemic racism in government services.
The survey is online and available in 15 languages
at: https://antiracism.gov.bc.ca/bcdemographicsurvey
People without access to a computer or smartphone can take the survey by
calling toll–free: 1 833 376–2452
Demographic Survey to help identify systemic racism in government services.
The survey is online and available in 15 languages
at: https://antiracism.gov.bc.ca/bcdemographicsurvey
People without access to a computer or smartphone can take the survey by
calling toll–free: 1 833 376–2452
“We have heard from many Indigenous Peoples and racialized groups that
they are being left behind because government services weren’t designed with
them in mind, which is why we are continuing the work to create a more
equitable province,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “The BC
Demographic Survey is our next step in confronting systemic biases and
advancing racial equity in B.C. If you’re a B.C. resident, I invite you to
participate in the survey to help us build a province that works for everyone.”
The information collected through the BC Demographic Survey will help the
B.C. government deliver stronger, more accessible, and more inclusive
programs and services for everyone. The survey was created through
engagement with Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities. It
includes questions related to race, ethnicity, ancestry and other areas of
identity.
“Everyone deserves equitable access to the supports they need,” said Niki
Sharma, Attorney General. “We need to understand how systemic racism
shows up in government services through data collection. The BC
Demographic Survey will help us identify data gaps so that we can improve
access to government programs and services for everyone.”
The BC Demographic Survey is being conducted by BC Stats, the Province’s
trusted source of statistics about B.C.’s people and economy. Personal
identifiers will be removed when survey responses are combined with
information about government programs and services.
This will enable anti–racism research on the priorities brought forward by
Indigenous Peoples and the Anti–Racism Data Committee. Those research
priorities were released May 29, 2023.
trusted source of statistics about B.C.’s people and economy. Personal
identifiers will be removed when survey responses are combined with
information about government programs and services.
This will enable anti–racism research on the priorities brought forward by
Indigenous Peoples and the Anti–Racism Data Committee. Those research
priorities were released May 29, 2023.
“We all need fair and impartial opportunities to thrive,” said Mable Elmore,
Parliamentary Secretary for Anti–Racism Initiatives. “But many people
experience obstacles that make getting ahead more challenging. By
participating in the BC Demographic Survey, we can better understand where
people are experiencing barriers when accessing public services so we can
address them and build a better B.C. for everyone.”
While the survey is voluntary, everyone, regardless of ethnicity, is encouraged
to take it. The more people who complete the survey, the better and more
accurate the data to identify, then eliminate, systemic racism in B.C.
government services.
The Province has developed a digital–awareness campaign that alters the
B.C. logo to show how gaps in services can be filled by participating in the
survey.
Ongoing community involvement is at the core of the Anti–Racism Data Act.
The Province is also providing grants to community organizations to raise
awareness of the survey within their networks. Interested community
organizations can
email: arda.engagement@gov.bc.ca (mailto:arda.engagement@gov.bc.ca)
The survey is open until Sept. 29, 2023, and 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.
