BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

Our mask poster explains the available exemptions, including for those who are unable to wear a mask due to a disability or medical condition. There is no exemption for those who are able to wear a mask but choose not to as a matter of personal preference. http://bchumanrights.ca/mask-poster/

We're hiring! Are you a researcher with a passion for human rights and experience in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis? We're hiring Research Officers in Vancouver or Victoria, Prince George and Kelowna to work promoting and protecting human rights for B.C. Apply by 9:00 a.m. PDT, May 4. 2021. Learn more on our website at: bchumanrights.ca/about-us/careers/

"By supporting, standing up for and educating one another, we can help save lives," says LGBTQ2SAI+ advocate and writer Julian Paquette. Together, we can continue to fight for trans rights, bring human rights for B.C. and make a brighter future for all.

After seeing a recording mocking people with autism trending, 20-year-old autism advocate Paige Layle took to TikTok to shatter stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. Watch Paige's videos on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok @paigelayle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFQQ7Tj0pUY

Confused about mandatory masking policies and your human rights? The BC Human Rights Clinic a separate agency from BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner has issued simple FAQs to help customers and service providers better understand how policies apply to them.

Did you know 70 per cent of Indigenous participants in a United Way of the Lower Mainland study report struggling to afford menstrual products? 80 percent of respondents with a disability have trouble buying menstrual products almost double the rate of people without a disability.

During White Cane Week, take a moment to learn about the experiences of people who are blind or partially sighted. Understanding vision loss can help us break barriers for a more accessible province. Want to learn more? Check out this podcast by Blind Beginnings: https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/limitless/

Now available in 10 languages, our simple poster clarifies mask-wearing exemptions permitted under law. We can keep each other safe during the #COVID19 pandemic while also ensuring rights of people with disabilities are protected. Download the poster at: http://bchumanrights.ca/mask-poster/

"I recommend that police should be de-tasked where possible," says Kasari Govender. "And critically the funds that would otherwise go to policing be put towards infrastructure and services that create safer communities." https://www.cbc.ca//briti/cut-police-build-homes-1.5911093

One year into the pandemic, anti-Asian hate and Sinophobia continues to escalate. "It seems to have subsided in the news," says Doris Chow of Youth Collaborative for Chinatown - . "But the violence and the racism is still continuing. It's just becoming more invisible again." https://www.ctvnews.ca//chinese-canadians-voice-worries-ab

"In light of Black History Month, it is important to identify that Terri-Jean Bedford is Black," Daniella Barreto says of the Canadian sex workers rights activist. "Because Blackness is inherently tied to struggles for justice and equity against systems of oppression." https://medium.com//why-it-matters-that-bedford-is-black-m

Did you know Indigenous women are three times more likely to experience domestic violence than non-Indigenous women? Today marks the 10-year anniversary of Moose Hide Campaign Day, a day of unity and action against violence. https://indiginews.com//moose-hide-campaign-marks-ten-year

Are you a legal professional specialized in human rights law? Are you looking for meaningful work promoting and protecting #humanrights4BC? We're #hiring! There's one week left to apply for a staff lawyer position at BCs Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. Apply by September 30, 2020 at 9:00 am PDT. In addition to a staff lawyer, we are hiring for 11 great new staff members! To learn more about all of our current opportunities, visit: https://bchumanrights.ca/careers/

Have you seen or have you been subject to microaggressions against Indigenous peoples in the justice system? Take the survey below to have your voice heard! You do not need to identify as Indigenous to participate. Help the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Access to Justice BC, and national Self-Represented Litigants inspire change and bring #humanrights4BC by sharing this post with your networks:

As we wrap up this human rights conversation series, we are sending out huge appreciation to all who attended our Metro Vancouver session yesterday. Thanks also to all who have attended any of our sessions in this series. Special thanks to our Metro Vancouver co-hosts, MVAEC - Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council and Surrey Women's Centre Society. Event recording is available here: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Are you looking for meaningful work promoting and protecting #humanrights4BC? We're looking for great people to fill a number of roles! The open positions are: - Staff Lawyer - Education Advisor x2... - Engagement Advisor x3 - Policy Analyst x2 - Research Officer (Generalist) x2 - Research Officer (Quantitative Analyst) To learn more, visit: https://bchumanrights.ca/careers/

Did you know 56 per cent of Black Canadians report layoffs or reduced working hours during COVID-19? Powerful statements are made possible by disaggregated data. Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, had powerful words in her new report on race-based disaggregated data collection. Learn more, here: https://bchumanrights.ca/datacollection/

Our team is growing! We're looking for great people to fill a number of roles. Help us find them by sharing with your networks! Visit https://bchumanrights.ca/careers/ to learn more and apply. The open positions are: - Staff Lawyer... - Education Advisor - Engagement Advisor - Policy Analyst - Research Officer (Generalist) - Research Officer (Quantitative Analyst) See more

Silence. Falling over a whole village. This is what you would hear in September, the day after the Indian agent came to take children from their home communities to residential schools. What happened to them there, we knowor should know. At the beginning of this school year, as we prepare for the unknown amid COVID-19, we empathize with some of the fear, uncertainty and pain Indigenous parents felt. Learn more about the experiences of residential school survivors at http://legacyofhope.ca/en_ca/wherearethechildren/stories/ and be sure to wear an orange shirt on September 30thOrange Shirt Dayto promote awareness about the residential school system and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. #orangeshirtday #humanrights4bc #indigenous #residentialschool #colonialism

A reminder that our final regional conversation in this series is taking place virtually in Metro Vancouver next week! Click the link below to register, and come join us on Thursday, September 17.

Happy Labour Day! As we celebrate Labour Day, we acknowledge the work of those before us who have worked tirelessly to protect labour rights as human rights. #humanrights4bc

Did you know Canada is near the bottom for child welfare? New reports argue Canada was failing to provide healthy, safe childhoods prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, setting kids up to be hit particularly hard by the global outbreak. #humanrights4bc

Searching for some great music to listen to this weekend? Afro-Indigenous rapper, Jah'kota uses music to teach kids about Canada's historical treatment of Indigenous peoples. Jah'kota hopes to inspire youth to understand their identity and history. What inspires you?

We're celebrating an important anniversary!

An ancient rock art site with significant historical significance to the the Osoyoos Indian Band has been defaced with racist graffiti. These acts are rooted in ignorance and discrimination against our Indigenous communities. We all have a duty to listen and educate ourselves around Indigenous cultures and history. For anthropologist, Christ Arnett, education can be a powerful preventative tool. "Education about Indigenous cultures is important to prevent vandalism from happ...ening again... Schools should have courses on Indigenous peoples and knowledge and history, starting in kindergarten." Interested in learning more about Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada? Take this free course, here: www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada #humanrights4bc

We're wrapping up the regional conversation series with a conversation in Metro Vancouver! Join us to meet Commissioner Kasari Govender, learn about our work, and tell us about human rights issues in your region. The conversation is on Thursday September 17, 2:30-4:30pm Click here to RSVP and for more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and survivors have called on the government to formally recognize the painful legacy of the residential school system. Yesterday, the government declared the Indian Residential Schools System a national historic event and named two former schools as historic sites. For survivor Lorraine Daniels, this is a step toward healing. It is very encouraging that the government is taking this step to acknowledge the residential schools and the system. As a residential school survivor, that gives me hope.

Did you know the overdose crisis has been a public health emergency for four years? Today, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. It's time to end the stigma against people who use substances. We all have a right to adequate health and safety. #humanrights4bc #IOAD2020

Part of the continuing movements against injustices and racism here and around the world is doing the work to undo systems of oppression within ourselves. For Brandon Yan, that has meant embracing his Chinese and queer identities with help from family, communities, and cherished memories. What parts of your identity are you learning to embrace?

Did you know Canada changed the definition of genocide to avoid legal ramifications while engaging in crimes against Indigenous peoples? In her groundbreaking book, SFU's 2020 Sterling Prize recipient Tamara Starblanket proves Canada knowingly committed genocide against Indigenous Peoples, violating customary international laws.

The pandemic has been especially difficult for people living with disabilities who face additional risks and consequences. Now, a shortage of health care workers is hitting hard for many. We all deserve equal access to adequate healthcare. "We cannot be forgotten. People with disabilities need to be in the forefront of the decisions being made in government and to be able to do that, that communication needs to continue and it needs to be valued. Paul Gauthier, Executive Director of the IFRC Society #humanrights4bc

Together, 17 BIPOC artists painted a "more justice, more peace" mural in Victoria's Bastion Square last week. Organizer, Charity Williams says art is a powerful way to amplify marginalized voices and speak out against systemic racism. Have your own anti-hate mural idea for your community? Tell us! #humanrights4BC

This weekend's act of anti-LGBTQ2S+ violence was deeply disturbing. We all have the right to be free from discrimination and be unabashedly ourselves. There is no place for homophobia and hate. #LoveOverHate #BeMoreThanABystander #HumanRights4BC

A warm thank you to everyone who joined our Northeast Region human rights conversation yesterday afternoon. Special thanks to our co-hosts Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) of Prince George. Next up, we're virtually visiting Metro Vancouver on Thursday, September 17. Click here to register and for more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

What does unity look like for you? For Bhangra dancer, Gurdeep Pandher, unity means raising awareness and promoting diversity through dance and education. "Through Bhangra, it raises education, it creates awareness. I find that one reason behind racism is lack of education. I believe that through my Bhangra, I will continue bringing people together." #DifferentTogether #HumanRights4BC

A reminder about our human rights conversation in the Northeast Region tomorrow! Register by noon today to receive call-in details. Join us tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, from 2:30-4:30pm. Click here to register and for more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

For Brandon Yan, healing meant learning about his Chinese roots and unlearning internalized racism and homophobia. In his powerful piece, Brandon reflects on growing up in a white suburb as a biracial kid and his journey to undo systems of oppression within himself. What does healing look like for you? Read Brandons story here: https://www.cbc.ca//unlearning-internalized-racism-1.56773

Have you faced discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic? Today is the last day to have your voice heard in Statistics Canada's survey. Share your experience at: https://www.statcan.gc.ca//sur/household/5323-covid-series

Northeast Region, you're up next. Lets talk about human rights! Join us to meet Commissioner Kasari Govender, learn about our work, and tell us about human rights issues in your region. Thursday, August 20 from 2:30-4:30pm. We are honoured that Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) of Prince George are co-hosting this conversation. ... Click here to register and for more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Thanks to all who attended our Rural/Remote Region conversation yesterday. We are glad to share info about the BC Human Rights Clinic's important work during these conversations! Next up, we are virtually visiting the Northeast Region on August 20, and Metro Vancouver on September 17. View past session's recordings and RSVP for either of our two upcoming sessions here: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Did you know slavery was legal in Canada less than 200 years ago? This week marks 186 years since slavery was abolished here, but theres still so much to do. Emancipation Day on August 1 is a chance to reflect on our national history of racial segregation and discrimination. We commit to continuing work to end systemic anti-Black racism. Read reflections on Emancipation Day below:

Have you experienced discrimination as an Indigenous person in the B.C. health care system? Today is the last day to participate in the investigation into Indigenous-specific discrimination and systemic racism. Share your story at: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/189465?lang=en

Hope you can join us tomorrow for our human rights conversation in the Rural and Remote Region! Register by noon today to receive call-in details. The conversation is on Thursday, August 6, from 2:30-4:30pm. Click here to register and find more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

We are excited to talk human rights with the Rural and Remote region next week on Thursday, August 6 from 2:30-4:30pm. Click here to register and to learn how you can help rural and remote communities participate in the conversation: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Sending appreciation to all who attended our Fraser Valley Region conversation on human rights last week. And thank you to Chilliwack Society for Community Living for co-hosting! View the recording and sign-up for future sessions at the link below. We're virtually coming to Rural/Remote communities on Thursday, August 6 and the Northeast Region on Thursday, August 20. https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Thank you for joining the Vancouver Island/Coast Region conversation last week! Special thanks to co-hosts Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) and Victoria Disability Resource Centre Do you want to watch the recorded conversation? Click here to view the recording: https://zoom.us//u8tFCo3d13tLQaORsgb7QIEqLKH6eaa80ylP_6IFy (Pass: BCOHRCJul9!) We invite you to join us in future conversations. The next one is in the Fraser Valley on July 21. RSVP and more info here: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Fraser Valley Region - let's talk human rights! We're 'visiting' your region next. Join us to meet Commissioner Kasari Govender, learn about our work, and tell us about human rights issues in your region. Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00pm Click here to RSVP and find more information: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

We are grateful to have participated in this discussion to hear experiences and answer questions on how we can use systems of education, democracy, and allyship to address the rise of racism in B.C. Did you miss the conversation and want to watch the recording? Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers - FACL BC uploaded the full recording of the conversation here: https://us02web.zoom.us//2Ysrdunz1WhORJ399kjhA44xGb74eaa81 The password to access the recording is 8T?%2K#4

A warm thank you to everyone who joined our Northwest Region conversation on human rights last week. A special thanks to our co-hosts, Kermode Friendship Society and Skeena Diversity Society. Next up is Vancouver Island/Coast on July 9! Click here for more info and to register: https://bchumanrights.ca//meet-bcs-human-rights-commissio/

Thanks to Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers - FACL BC for organizing this important community discussion on the alarming rise of anti-Asian racism in B.C. Our Commissioner, Kasari Govender, looks forward to joining Bowinn Ma and Kevin Huang tomorrow, June 30, at 5:00pm. Click here for more info and to register: https://faclbc.ca/event-3884608