The B.C. government this morning announced it is providing $372,500 to the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network to help 36 organizations combat racism in communities throughout B.C., including one in the East Kootenay.

The Cranbrook & District Restorative Justice Society is receiving $5,000 to revise community response protocol to anti-racism in consultation with the community, to provide training for more effective response using the protocol, and to develop a local online reporting tool.

“Racism is real and it’s pervasive in our communities. We must take action to combat racism in our local communities,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “Our government is increasing funding for the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network to empower British Columbians to identify and help stamp out discrimination.”

The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network delivers co-ordinated services by connecting communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate. Recently, the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network created multilingual videos to promote what to do if someone witnesses or is the victim of a hate crime.

The 36 organizations, representing 57 communities, will each receive $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 to address a recent increase in racism, especially anti-Asian and anti-Indigenous hate activity, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This one-time funding increase will enable communities to engage in additional projects that provide anti-racism resources and support, a Ministry of Attorney General media release said.

e-KNOW

Article Share