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Stock photo of the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo 60608415 © Vadim Nikolaevitch Gouida | Dreamstime.com)
Alberta

Province outlines roadmap to tackle racism

Jul 19, 2022 | 3:06 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta has laid out its Anti-Racism Action Plan.

The plan highlights the government’s commitment to play a leading role in addressing racism. It outlines actions that will help to educate all residents about the value of diversity, remove systemic barriers to accessing government programs and services, and ensure Albertans have equal access to information, resources, services and opportunities.

As part of the Anti-Racism Action Plan, the province plans to take steps to protect vulnerable groups from hate and discrimination, and empower communities to promote social inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism and cultivate social cohesion.

Minister of Labour and Immigration Kaycee Madu said, “Over the past three years, Alberta’s government has shown a proven track record of dealing with racism, but there is still more to be done in order to end all forms of racism, discrimination and systemic racism once and for all.”

“This action plan serves as a road map for our province to confront and take steps to eliminate racism to ensure Alberta is a free, fair and prosperous place for everyone.”

The plan’s actions build on recommendations from the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and feedback from community groups across the province that are addressing racism.

Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, Muhammad Yaseen said, “I want to thank the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and community groups who provided advice for their ongoing commitment to combat racism.”

“Racialized and Indigenous individuals, like all Albertans, are important to our province’s prosperity, and through these actions, we can work together to help empower them and celebrate their accomplishments,” Yaseen stated.

The actions in the plan are grouped under five themes, which highlight broad areas where the government plans to make progress toward building a more equitable and inclusive society.

The theme are: public education and cultural awareness; government as a catalyst for system improvements; empowering communities; responding to hate incidents and crime; and data management and measurement.

The Alberta government will continue to receive input from the Anti-Racism Advisory Council and work with racialized and Indigenous communities to better understand systemic challenges and how they can be addressed going forward.

More on Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Plan is available through the Government of Alberta website.