Alberta Launches Anti-Racism Action Plan
Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Plan outlines the Alberta government’s commitment to play a leading role in addressing racism. The plan outlines actions that will help educate Albertans 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.
“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.”
As part of the plan, Alberta’s government will take steps to protect vulnerable groups from hate and discrimination, and empower communities to promote social inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism and cultivate social cohesion.
These actions build on recommendations received from the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and feedback from community groups across Alberta that are addressing racism.
“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.”
The actions outlined in the plan are grouped under five themes, which highlight broad areas where Alberta’s government plans to make progress toward building a more equitable and inclusive society. These themes include public education and cultural awareness, government as a catalyst for system improvements; empowering communities, responding to hate incidents and crime; and data and measurement.
To make sure government actions are effective, the plan includes steps to measure progress. The Government of Alberta will continue to receive input from the Anti-Racism Advisory Council and work closely with racialized and Indigenous communities to better understand systemic challenges and how they can be addressed in the future.
“On behalf of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council, we are pleased to see the Government of Alberta move forward on actions that will help combat racism in our province. I look forward to continuing this work alongside the government to build more welcoming and inclusive communities for all Albertans.”