Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, initiated in July 2022, has marked a year of substantial progress, as revealed in the government’s inaugural progress report.
The cornerstone of this advancement lies in the insights and advice provided by Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council, a body comprising individuals with lived experiences who have been instrumental in shaping the government’s strategy against racism. The recommendations of this council have not only informed the action plan but have been pivotal in steering the course of the province’s anti-racism efforts.
The recently released annual report underscores the comprehensive efforts undertaken over the past year to address racism, celebrate diversity, and enhance social inclusion. The commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in the government’s pledge to regularly update the public on the strides made in the fight against discrimination.
Muhammad Yaseen, the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, expressed pride in the progress made, stating, “This report shows how our government is fulfilling promises and putting actions in place to address the issues around racism and discrimination.” Yaseen acknowledged the complexity of these issues, emphasizing the ongoing dedication required to make a lasting impact. The government’s commitment is clear: ensuring fair access to programs, services, and opportunities for all Albertans.
A crucial aspect of Alberta’s approach has been the engagement of the public through surveys and community sessions. These sessions, including in-person engagements with organizations, partners, and ongoing consultations with Indigenous Peoples, have played a pivotal role in shaping the government’s priorities and actions.
Key achievements over the past year include the establishment of the Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism, the appointment of hate crimes community liaisons, the creation of an Indigenous Primary Health Care Advisory Panel, and the launch of the Indigenous Business Support Program. The government has also taken legislative steps, such as amending the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation to prioritize racialized people and newcomers.
Moreover, the implementation of the Alberta Broadband Strategy in rural and Indigenous communities, cultural diversity and inclusion training for Alberta Sheriff recruits, and government-wide initiatives like Respect in the Workplace and Unconscious Bias training demonstrate a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to combating racism.
Sania Chaudhry, co-chair of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council, emphasized that progress is being made but stressed the importance of continuous efforts to address both explicit and implicit forms of racism. Chaudhry highlighted the council’s focus on empowering and consulting with communities and the need for meaningful and transparent change.
Mohamad Awada, co-chair of the council, underscored the commitment to action, stating, “We’re devoted to shielding vulnerable groups from hate and discrimination, and we’re all about empowering communities to embrace social inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism.”
The government’s commitment extends to supporting community-based organizations, First Nations, and Métis groups in identifying and addressing systemic barriers. Legislative efforts are underway to further remove barriers to public sector programs and services, building upon the progress achieved so far.
With 23% of Alberta’s population identified as immigrants, 25% as visible minorities, and almost 7% as Indigenous, the government’s initiatives align with the diverse demographic landscape. As Canada’s population is projected to reach nearly 48 million by 2041, with over half being immigrants or children of immigrants, the importance of fostering multicultural diversity becomes increasingly evident.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant Program allocated $3.63 million to 130 community organizations, supporting initiatives that increase cross-cultural awareness and address racism. Looking ahead, the program has evolved into two separate grant programs: the Ethnocultural Grant Program and the Anti-Racism Grant Program.
The Ethnocultural Grant Program is currently accepting applications, while the Anti-Racism Grant Program is set to open for applications on December 18. These programs aim to bolster community initiatives that celebrate Alberta’s multicultural diversity, support Indigenous communities in sharing their historical heritage, and actively combat racism.
As Alberta continues its journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society, the government’s commitment to tangible actions and ongoing progress remains at the forefront of the fight against racism.