Anti-Racism Data Act
On May 2, 2022, we introduced the Anti-Racism Data Act
The Act became law on June 2, 2022
It allows us to safely collect and use information to address systemic racism. This will help us to identify gaps in our programs and deliver stronger public services for everyone in B.C.
An opportunity to do better
The legislation was informed by the thoughts of more than 13,000 people in B.C. through engagement with Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, as well as partners such as the B.C. Human Rights Commissioner, First Nations Leadership Council, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and Métis Nation British Columbia.
It is one of the first pieces of legislation to be co-developed with Indigenous Peoples in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act .
We’ll continue to work with Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities as we implement this legislation.
The act focuses on four key areas:
Continued collaboration with Indigenous Peoples in a way that recognizes the unique identity of First Nations and Métis communities in B.C.
Working with racialized communities in implementing the legislation. This includes creating a provincial Anti-Racism Data Committee to collaborate with us on how data is collected and used
Increasing transparency and accountability while preventing and reducing harms to Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities
Requiring government to release data on an annual basis and to periodically review the Act
Keeping Your Data Safe
In June 2023, we launched the BC Demographic Survey. Survey responses are supporting our efforts to identify and address systemic racism under the Anti-Racism Data Act.
Under the Act, we’ll make sure that any information we collect is stored safely. All the privacy and security protections under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act will apply to information collected or used under this legislation.
To begin identifying systemic racism using data, we will use British Columbia’s Data Innovation Program and the internationally recognized privacy and security Five Safes model to protect this information.
The Five Safes model reduces the risk of data being accessed or used inappropriately by:
- Removing personally identifiable information from data
- Using secure technology to integrate data safely
- Only authorizing projects that have a clear public benefit and pose no harm to individuals or communities
- Only providing access to authorized individuals
- Ensuring additional protection of privacy in results and reports so that individual people cannot be identified
Meet the Anti-Racism Data Committee
On September 23, 2022, we announced the 11 members, including the chair, of the Anti-Racism Data Committee.