VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore, Murray Rankin, John Horgan, Mitzi Dean, Lana Popham, and Rob Fleming say multiculturalism grant funding will help 19 local organizations fight systemic racism throughout Greater Victoria. This year, priority was given to projects addressing anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian, and anti-Black racism.

Multiculturalism grant funding is provided to non-profit and charitable organizations for projects that build intercultural interaction, trust, and understanding, or challenge racism, hate, and systemic barriers. MLA Grace Lore said that through these projects, people across B.C. will soon have improved access to tools and resources to help them learn about the diverse culture in which they live.

For 2020/21, the Province is providing a $944,000 one-time boost to the grant funding as part of anti-racism initiatives through Stronger BC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan.

This grant program is just one way the BC New Democrat government province is working to subvert systemic racism and protect human rights. The province has taken further action to tackle racism including: reinstating the B.C. Human Rights Commission after it was dismantled by the former BC Liberal government, launching an investigation into allegations of racism in B.C.’s health-care system, and developing a comprehensive, multi-year anti-racism action plan for B.C.’s K-12 education system. A special committee of the legislature is currently undertaking a review of the 45-year-old Police Act, with a specific focus to modernize the Act and address systemic racism. The BC New Democrat government is also committed to introducing a new anti-racism act and legislation on race-based data collection.

Quotes:

Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill:

“The pandemic has magnified existing inequities: incidents of hate and racism are on the rise and non-profits are experiencing increased financial stress. This is critical funding for local groups who are organizing and working for change in our communities. I also want to recognize and thank them for their work – it has never been more important.”

Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head:

“Indigenous, Black, and people of colour often feel unsafe in our communities. By providing funding for multiculturalism projects at the local level we are investing in the work necessary to address systemic racism in our community.”

John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca:

“No one in our province should suffer discrimination or live in fear of violence. The work of these organizations will help fight hatred against racialized people and build a stronger, more resilient community.”

Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin:

“The rise in overt acts of racism and hate the past year demonstrates we have a long way to go to create a B.C. that’s inclusive and welcoming for all. The work of these organizations is inspirational and fundamental to dismantling racism and we’re grateful to be able to support them.”

Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich-South:

“We all have a responsibility to ensure our neighbours are treated with dignity and respect. With this funding we are empowering local organizations to provide people more skills and tools to stand up to racism and hate.”

Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake:

“There is no room for racism and discrimination anywhere in B.C. We are supporting local organizations in their important work to increase cross-cultural understanding and bring about change so people feel safer and more welcome in our community.” 

Backgrounder 

Projects in Greater Victoria that are receiving a grant include:

• Bangladesh Canada Cultural Association in Victoria (BCCAV): $5,000
• Hulitan Family and Community Services Society: $10,000
• The Inclusion Project Society: $8,954
• World Inter-Faith Education Association (WIFEA): $10,000
• British Columbia Black History Awareness Society: $10,000
• British Columbia Museums Association: $5,000
• St.Bakhita Anakdia Peace Development: $5,000
• Afro Latin Cultural Exchange Society: $9,740
• Ballet Victoria Society: $3,650
• Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: $5,000
• Oasis Society for the Spiritual Health of Victoria: $5,000
• REP Here In Canada: $5,000
• The Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition Society: $5,000
• Theatre SKAM Association: $5,000
• Threshold Housing Society: $4,080
• Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society: $5,000
• African Art & Cultural Community Contributor Incorporated: $9,000
• The International Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research, British Columbia Chapter (SIETAR BC): $5,000
• Victoria Native Friendship Centre: $10,000 

Learn More:

For more information about the BC Multiculturalism Grants program, visit:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=05BC37ECB1AC4C87AF86BC303937F6EF

For more information about Resilience BC, B.C.’s Anti-Racism network visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/anti-racism/resiliencebc