A new road map for combating racism
2022-07-18

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.”

Kaycee Madu, Minister of Labour and Immigration

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.”

Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism

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.”

Mohamad Awada, co-chair, Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council

“While there is still a long road ahead, this announcement is a positive step forward for Alberta to address the racism that exists in our society. The specific actions and accountability measures outlined in this plan will help build our province into a place of safety, freedom and opportunity for all.”

Chinaemerem (China) Sochi Ogbonna, co-chair, Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council

“Combating systemic racism is an imperative step towards building a more prosperous, inclusive Alberta. A key aspect of newcomer prosperity is to actively work towards ending systemic racism. Although our province requires a lot of work ahead, I am happy that the Government of Alberta is announcing the necessary steps to address racism. The recommendations from the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council are foundational to creating the inclusive province all Black, Indigenous or persons of colour [BIPOC] Albertans deserve to have.”

Anila Umar Lee Yuen, president and CEO, Centre for Newcomers

“As we all work to strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we applaud the Alberta government’s renewed focus to address the structural roots of disparity. Partnering with like-minded organizations to promote social inclusion, this new provincial initiative will empower communities to create more targeted programs that will lead to better cultural awareness resulting in reduced hate and discrimination. Anti-racism policies, combined with the newly created Fairness for Newcomers Office, will become a valued road map on the path to more inclusiveness and a stronger society.”

Sally Zhao, president and CEO, The Immigrant Education Society

Quick facts

  • The Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council was established to provide advice to the Alberta government on efforts to combat racism and promote more inclusive and accepting communities across Alberta.
  • Alberta’s government has begun work on a number of anti-racism initiatives, including:
    • establishing a hate crime liaison and a Hate Crimes Coordination Unit
    • formally recognizing First Nations policing under The Police Act
    • banning the practice of carding
    • introducing the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program
    • enacting the Fair Registrations Practices Act and creating the Fairness for Newcomers Office to help new Albertans get their qualifications recognized
    • developing an inclusive communications policy for government