Bill 204 – Is Alberta at the Beginning of the Racial End, or at the End of the Racial Beginning?
We’ve seen hijab wearing women attacked on the streets just for being Muslims – well, Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters heading towards the end this holy month.
We know people from the multicultural communities who are yelled at to go back home, you might be one of the recipients.
You, your family members, and friends have been overlooked countless times for a promotion or a position at work because of the colour of their skin, their accent, religion, or heritage.
You sent in hundreds of resumes without getting an interview, until you faked your name, is that you?
Your organization has constantly missed out on government or other funding and opportunities even though you are the best in that area. Yes, you guessed right, because you are visible minority led, well without anyone telling you the truth, but you could figure.
These and many more are the daily realities of millions of Black Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) Albertans who have to deal with everything from micro-aggression, through racial stereotypes, to outright racism and discrimination.
25% of Canada’s population identified as visible minority in the 2016 census. This implies 25% of taxes collected are paid by visible minority Canadians, right? Does this also mean 25% of the opportunities, the contracts, the top positions, the grants and stuff like that?
What percentage of the positions, funding, contracts, opportunities goes to the visible minority half of Canada?
What percentage of top executives in public and private sectors are visible minority?
What percentage of those who get bad service in Alberta Healthcare centres, or in your civic services are visible minority?
What percentage of those found guilty and jailed for minor offences are visible minority?
What percentage of those whose children are forced into foster care are visible minority?
What percentage of those randomly stopped or killed by the police are visible minority?
The answer to these questions lies in the collection of race-based data, sometimes disaggregated data.
According to the Edmonton Social Planning Council, race-base data is used as an indicator to assess and understand the extent of racism and discriminatory practice. This data can be used to advocate for changes in practice, policies, and to substantiate (or refute) narratives around racism. If used properly, race-based data can increase transparency and accountability within institutions and systems to track discrimination and inequity.
Edmonton-Centre MLA, David Shepherd is wrestling with the system in Alberta to inject race-base data collection. He tabled to the Alberta Legislature, Bill 204, Anti-Racism Act, the collection of race-based data by public bodies, answering a call from BIPOC communities in Alberta, as well as, critical recommendations of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council.
A United Conservatives (UCP) majority committee blocked further debate on Bill 204 and voted against a recommendation for the Bill to proceed to the Assembly and be voted into law in Alberta.
However, UCP MLAs will have a chance to vote again against the committee’s recommendation on May 2.
“We want the UCP to know that there is an urgent need for this legislation in Alberta. We encourage everyone to write their MLA Constituencies (assembly.ab.ca), protest and share their thoughts on social media. Together we can pressure the UCP into doing the right thing,” a statement from the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) Official Opposition reads.
Politics and politicking can definitely change our lives if and only if the right laws are passed and enforced. Well, as you know, that can hardly be done without community support and involvement.
We shall keep you posted on the journey of Bill 204.
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