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Nearly 80 people and organizations were nominated for the 2024 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards, honouring their efforts to combat racism and create a more inclusive B.C.

There were five Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism award recipients and six honourable mentions, many of whom work directly with refugees, immigrants and newcomers to B.C.

Mable Elmore is the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, and a Member of the Legislative Assembly of B.C. for Vancouver-Kensington.

“I always value the opportunity to shine a light on and celebrate the work being done by so many to promote multiculturalism and anti-racism in B.C.,” Elmore said.

Elmore also said: “The journey to being anti-racist is not always easy, and the awards program is a vital part of our efforts to foster understanding, appreciation and respect for the many vibrant cultures and people that make up our province.”

The awards ceremony, held every year on the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, took place in downtown Vancouver on March 21, 2024 in front of an audience of more than 150 people.

Since the awards were launched in 2008, nearly 60 people and organizations have been recognized.

The awards and recipients were:

Intercultural Trust – for an outstanding individual or organization for their work in building intercultural trust and understanding and/or reducing racism and hate between communities.

2024 recipients:

VIDEA was established more than 40 years ago, with the mission to end global poverty and create a more just and equitable world. More than half of the staff and board members of VIDEA identify as Métis, Inuit, First Nations, Black or African. Their programs have reached more than 200,000 individuals.

Thais Pimentel Cabral is a teacher whose innovative teaching methods prioritize students’ identities and cultural connections, creating a classroom environment rooted in shared values. Her initiatives actively combat racism, foster inclusivity and empower students to take pride in their identities. She has played a key role in furthering the province’s anti-racism initiatives in K-12 schooling.

Honourable mentions:

The OTHER People was created by Rabbi Philip Bregman in 2021 with the goal of helping dismantle the “us vs. them” divide. It is comprised of community leaders and anti-racism organizations across the racial, religious and cultural mosaic.

The Lekwungen Traditional Dancers was founded in 1978 at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. The group is one of the most sought-after to represent the Lək̓ʷəŋən people at significant events throughout B.C. Through their song and dance, they honour their ancestors and showcase their Nation’s values.

Cherie Chai Kar Yee is an artist, teacher and the founder of the Speak Write Academy, which was started in October 2020. Through her cultural workshops, Cherie Chai aims to fight racism, promote intercultural trust through the power of language and arts, and contribute to Indigenous language revitalization efforts.

Breaking Barriers – handed to an outstanding individual or organization for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities.

2024 recipients:

The Rainbow Refugee Society was established in 2000 to help refugees and new immigrants to Canada fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV+ diagnoses. The organization collaborates directly with government and social service partners to address intersectional barriers faced by forcibly displaced 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Anetha Kashuba is the main driving force behind Connecting the Dots, an Indigenous learning tour that emphasizes the importance of education in breaking down barriers and ownership over one’s own journey toward truth and reconciliation. Anetha is proudly Métis and works at the Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Service Society.

Honourable mentions:

Lama Mugabo is a former refugee from Rwanda who works as a racial justice and housing organizer in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. He primarily focuses on making B.C. a better place for Black and racialized people, supporting newcomers, creating pathways to food justice and confronting anti-Black racism, including through his Black leadership program.

Anthea Williams oversees an outreach program in downtown Vancouver that offers crucial assistance to youth facing issues such as homelessness, poverty, substance-use disorders, mental-health challenges and exploitation. They are also a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, especially young refugees and newcomers.

Emerging Leader – handed to an outstanding young person, aged 15 to 30, for their work in building intercultural trust, tackling racism or reducing barriers for marginalized communities.

2024 recipient:

Dacious Richardson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and moved to Canada in 2011. He now works for the Surrey School District as a liaison and mentor. He is active in his community’s initiatives targeting systemic racism, discrimination and cultural barriers. He is also an advocate for young refugees, immigrants and newcomers.

Honourable mention:

Paolo Bigit has been leading the Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Program of Kamloops Immigrant Services for the last year. The program fosters inclusivity and connection within Indigenous, Black and people of colour communities through open dialogue, education and shared experiences.

Office of the Premier
Ministry of Finance

VICTORIA – British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people, businesses and services.

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenges our health, our economy and our way of life. People and businesses urgently need support,” said Premier John Horgan. “Our action plan focuses on services to protect people’s health and safety, gives immediate relief to people and businesses, and plans for B.C.’s economic recovery over the long term.”

The COVID-19 Action Plan is government’s first step to provide relief to people and businesses in British Columbia. The plan dedicates $2.8 billion to help people and fund the services they need to weather the crisis; $2.2 billion will provide relief to businesses and help them recover after the outbreak.

B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan builds on the federal government’s COVID-19 economic plan and boosts supports for British Columbians who are worried about paying their bills and staying afloat.

Supporting people and the services they rely on

The plan includes immediate measures to help individuals and families cope with potential illness, financial strain or precarious employment. It also adds funding to key services, such as health care, housing and social services, to make sure they continue to support British Columbians and help contain the spread of COVID-19.

“While this crisis continues, we need to make sure that people are kept safe and that vital services are available to British Columbians,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “That means making sure people can pay their bills, stay safe in their homes and provide for their families during this extraordinary time.”

Of the $2.8 billion allocated to ensure people have the services and support they need during this difficult time, the B.C. government is dedicating $1.1 billion to boost the income of people affected by COVID-19.

A new B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. The benefit will be a one-time payment for British Columbians who receive federal Employment Insurance (EI), or the new federal Emergency Care Benefit or Emergency Support Benefit as a result of COVID-19 impacts. This includes workers who have been laid-off, who are sick or quarantined, parents with sick children, parents who stay at home from work while child care centres and schools are closed, and those caring for sick family members, such as an elderly parent. The workers can be EI-eligible and non-EI eligible, such as the self-employed. The benefit will be paid to B.C. residents, in addition to their federal income supports.

The COVID-19 Action Plan takes further steps to boost income supports by increasing and expanding the B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit in July 2020. As many as 86% of British Columbians will see some extra money from this enhancement. Eligible families of four will receive up to $564 and eligible individuals will receive up to $218 in an enhanced payment. This boosts the regular climate action tax credit payment of up to $112.50 per family of four and up to $43.50 per adult.

Together, the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers and the enhanced B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit will complement federal income supports and help people who are struggling with job loss, reduced income or increased costs through the immediate crisis.

The Province is focused on keeping people safe, healthy and supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To support that work, the action plan provides $1.7 billion for the critical services British Columbians need.

The $1.7 billion includes investments in housing and shelter supports, income and disability assistance programs and crucial health services, such as funding for the BC Centre for Disease Control hotline, quarantine costs, lab tests and work underway at the First Nations Health Authority and the United Way’s Better at Home program for seniors.

To support non-profits, service delivery agencies and child care providers, the Province will continue to provide funding even if these agencies are closed or their regular operations have been disrupted. Licensed child care providers staying open will receive enhanced funding to keep operations going. These centres are eligible to receive seven times their average monthly operating funding from government, which is expected to cover approximately 75% of a group facility’s average monthly operating expenses.

To help people with B.C. student loans, the Province is freezing B.C. student loan payments for six months, starting March 30, 2020. Federal student loan payments are being frozen as well.

British Columbians needing more time to pay their bills can also apply to existing payment deferral programs at ICBC and BC Hydro. ICBC is extending deferrals to up to 90 days. People dealing with job loss, illness or loss of wages due to COVID-19 may also qualify for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund grant program for up to $600.

Supporting businesses

British Columbia has a strong economic foundation, but COVID-19 is having impacts across the country and around the world. Every aspect of B.C.’s economy will be touched by this pandemic. The COVID-19 Action Plan will help businesses get through the immediate crisis and lay the groundwork needed to get businesses back on their feet once the crisis is over.

Effective immediately, businesses with a payroll over $500,000 can defer their employer health tax payments until Sept. 30, 2020. Businesses with a payroll under this threshold are already exempt from the tax.

In addition to the employer health tax, the Province is extending tax filing and payment deadlines for the provincial sales tax (PST), municipal and regional district tax, tobacco tax, motor fuel tax and carbon tax until Sept. 30, 2020. The scheduled April 1 increase to the provincial carbon tax, as well as the new PST registration requirements on e-commerce and the implementation of PST on sweetened carbonated drinks, will be delayed and their timing will be reviewed by Sept. 30, 2020.

Business and light- and major-industry property classes will see their school tax cut in half. This will provide $500 million in immediate relief for business that own their property and allow commercial landlords to immediately pass savings on to their tenants in triple-net leases.

In the longer-term, the recovery plan will dedicate funding to particularly hard-hit parts of the economy, such as the tourism, hospitality and culture sectors. The B.C. government is partnering with business and labour leaders to build an economic stimulus plan. The Province has allocated $1.5 billion for economic recovery.

Learn More:

For information on B.C.’s COVID Action Plan and other government resources and updates, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

To learn more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

For non-medical information relating to COVID-19, call: 1 888 COVID-19

For more information on how B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan helps people and businesses, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-takes-steps-to-support-people-businesses-during-covid-19-pandemic

Local Indigenous artists and production trainees creating collectible items are benefiting from a government-funded skills training and work experience project.

“This project encourages artists, while adding a great training element,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “It illustrates government’s commitment and priorities to work collaboratively to increase opportunities for Indigenous peoples through new economic partnerships, skills training and employment.”

Through this project, Stó:lō Nation is training participants in computer-aided light manufacturing, such as laser etching, embroidery, heat transferring and printing, and helping them develop skills in warehousing operations, while supporting artists in sharing their designs on products.

Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Reduction, toured of the facilities and attended an artist open house at the new Stó:lō Interpretive Centre today.

“Art is an important part of Indigenous cultures, and this project supports local artists as they continue to share their own stories through their work,” Elmore said. “The project participants are also gaining new skills, which will lead to greater opportunities.”

Through Nations Creations, a social enterprise created by the Stó:lō Nation, eight participants are receiving training in producing a wide range of gift items, including prints, bags, bookmarks, glassware, jewelry and clothing, which features artwork by local artists. They are also gaining warehousing experience by filling orders and shipping products to stores across Western Canada, and furthering their learning through on-the-job experience with White Feather Manufacturing and Monaque Native Crafts.

A second group of up to 12 people will begin training in August.

Artists who work with Nations Creations are paid a royalty for each item sold with their design, rather than a flat fee. This provides a more sustainable income over time for the artists.

Theresa Harris, one of the people who participated in last year’s project, said, “The Nations Creations program gave me the confidence to pursue a new career, instead of sticking to a job that was unreliable. New training has shown me I can do more and be successful. I was able to successfully gain employment with a large building-supply chain where I am able to put my new skills to work.”

Jared Deck, whose “Mother Eagle” design was featured on last year’s Orange T-Shirt Day shirt, said, “I’ve been doing artwork since around 2003. When the opportunity at Nations Creations arose, I thought it was a good opportunity and I had some designs that I decided to submit.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has committed $606,000 in funding for this project through the Job Creation Partnerships stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) program. CEP funds projects that increase employability levels and share labour market information.

Join my Telephone Town Hall on Thursday March 22nd!

Vancouver – As the world marks International Domestic Workers Day today, local caregivers held a rally to intensify their call to end a government program that targets and criminalizes caregivers hired under the Live-in Caregiver and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).  The groups also reiterated the need to grant caregivers open work permits and permanent residency upon arrival.

“Canada likes to pride itself as being a leader in the area of human rights.  The reality however is that it treats TFWs, especially foreign caregivers, as disposable workers deprived of many basic labour rights.  Worse, it criminalizes them through programs like ‘Project Guardian’,” says Jane Ordinario, Migrante-BC Coordinator.

According to Ordinario, Canada Border Services Agency is conducting raids and deportations of caregivers found to be violating their work permits under “Project Guardian” and other initiatives like it.

“These programs are a waste of tax payers money.  Foreign caregivers are not criminals.  The raids are often heavy-handed and very intimidating and the caregivers are not told about their legal rights during the process,” she added.

According to the West Coast Domestic Workers Association Executive Director, Natalie Drolet, Canada should grant the TFW caregivers open work permits and permanent residency upon arrival.

“It is unjust to tie a worker to one employer at one address.  It leaves them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation because in many cases, the caregivers are afraid to leave their jobs because of the onerous process of obtaining a new work permit for a new employer,” said Drolet, whose association has been helping caregivers facing deportation because of Project Guardian.

Local MLA Mable Elmore, Opposition Spokesperson for TFWs and Immigration also said more needed to be done to protect migrant worker rights.

“Provincial legislation is needed to ensure that migrant workers are genuinely able to access and exercise their full legal rights, especially when they face abuse or exploitation due to unscrupulous recruitment agencies, immigration consultants or employers,”  said Elmore.

“It’s also important that as a nation, we show the willingness to protect and promote the rights and welfare of all workers, especially migrant workers.  And a first step towards that is the ratification of this international convention recognizing the rights of Domestic Workers, she said referring to the International Labour Organization’s Convention 189 (C189).

C189 was passed at the 100^th meeting of the ILO in 2012 on June 16^th and since then, the day is recognized as International Domestic Workers Day.

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