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By rdnewsNOW Staff

2022 ACTION PLAN

Alberta shares anti-racism efforts outlined in second annual report

Feb 21, 2025 | 4:19 PM

Alberta Immigration and Multiculturalism has released its second annual report, which highlights government actions taken over the past year to combat racism, celebrate diversity and advance the implementation of recommendations outlined in Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Plan.

Launched in 2022, the plan included 28 recommendations to be undertaken over a three-year period. As of Feb. 21, the government says 28 specific recommendations have been worked on and of those, 27 have been completed.

“This report showcases the steps our government is taking to implement measures that tackle systemic barriers and discrimination. I am proud of the significant progress we’ve made so far. Together, government’s actions are helping to foster a more welcoming province,” commented Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Achievements outlined in the report include the creation of Alberta’s first Black Advisory Council, intended to support the ongoing work of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and the Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism. The provincial government says these councils engage with communities on an ongoing basis to gather feedback and insights that inform efforts on anti-racism and cultural collaboration.

Additionally, in 2024, the Ethnocultural Grant program provided $5.1 million in funding to 182 projects aimed at increasing cross-cultural awareness, while the Anti-Racism Grant program provided $424,000 in funding to 49 anti-racism initiatives.

“The Council is so pleased to see the progress on the Action Plan and the government’s commitment to combatting racism through public education, empowering communities, data and measurement, systems change and taking action on hate incidents,” said Sania Chaudry, co-chair of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council. “There is much more work needed to be done, still, as racism and inclusion remain integral issues in our province. The Council is working hard on further recommendations in line with the Action Plan and is grateful for the opportunity to do so.”

Alberta officials say that since the plan was implemented, all departments have been collaborating on cross-government actions. In the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, actions in the past year have been taken to support First Nations and Métis groups in addressing systemic and social barriers and developing affordable housing supports.

“We know Indigenous peoples can face discrimination when trying to access affordable housing and available housing options may not always suit their needs,” commented Minister Jason Nixon. “That’s why we have continued to work with Indigenous governments and organizations through our Indigenous Housing Capital Program to ensure housing meets communities’ needs and provides culturally appropriate supports.”

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations endeavours to reduce disparities by implementing programs and initiatives that support Indigenous education, employment, emergency shelters, health care improvements and fostering cultural awareness.

Minister Rick Wilson said, “Alberta’s government is committed to honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by addressing systemic bias and racism across the province. We continue to work with Indigenous leaders to ensure policies and programs include Indigenous perspectives so that our work remains culturally appropriate and effective.”

Another initiative the government has highlighted is the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program (ASIP), which supports faith-based and community groups at risk of hate or bias-motivated violence by funding security assessments, security infrastructure improvements, training, equipment and immediate security response measures.

In response to hate sentiment, the government says it has also expanded eligibility for this program to include Islamic and Jewish faith based alternative schools, as well as Arabic bilingual programs, until the end of 2025. Additionally, Alberta’s Hate Crime Coordination Unit is continuing to work with law enforcement groups across the province to facilitate training opportunities, inter-agency intelligence gathering and investigative reports to reduce and respond to hate-driven occurences.

“It doesn’t matter where you are from – in Alberta, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their community. Acts of harassment and vandalism have no place on our streets, schools or places of worship. Alberta’s government will do whatever it takes to end these types of crimes and to build safer communities for everyone,” commented Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Finally, Alberta Education is updating its curriculum to include opportunities to address anti-racism, pluralism and related topics in all subjects and grades, including English language arts and literature, social studies and physical education and wellness.

Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides shared, “Every student deserves to feel welcomed, respected and seen at school. That’s why our curriculum provides opportunities for students to explore and learn about diversity across Canada and the world. For example, our new K-6 social studies curriculum includes knowledge to help address racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism.”

Alberta’s Anti-Racism Annual Report covers government actions under five themes:

• public education/cultural awareness
• government as a catalyst for system improvements
• empowering communities
• responding to hate incidents and crimes
• data and measurement