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Survey asks B.C. health-care workers about racism, discrimination

Health-care workers throughout British Columbia are asked to share their experiences with racism and discrimination in the health-care system as part of a new survey launched by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond on Friday, July 31, 2020.

The health-care workers’ survey asks respondents about the impact of discriminatory behaviours or actions on patients and their family members, as well as whether (and in what ways) health-care workers are affected by these matters personally in the workplace. The survey is part of Addressing Racism: An Independent Investigation into Indigenous-specific Racism in B.C. Health Care, that Turpel-Lafond is leading.

“To get a full picture of the impact of racism in the health-care system, it is very important to specifically seek the views of health-care workers,” Turpel-Lafond said. “Many have already made submissions to the investigation through email, our toll-free phone line and interviews with our investigators. This survey provides one more opportunity.”

On July 9, the investigation team launched a survey of Indigenous peoples in B.C., asking for their experiences accessing the health-care system. A toll-free number, website and email address were also provided. Through those channels combined, the investigation has received more than 3,000 submissions.


The health-care workers’ survey asks for the experiences of a wide range of providers – from physicians, nurses, paramedics and health-sciences professionals, to clerks, cleaning staff and food-services employees. Health-care workers can access the survey here: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/653748?lang=en

The health-care workers’ survey will remain open until Aug. 27, 2020.

“I encourage everybody who works in the B.C. health-care system to take part in the survey,” Turpel-Lafond said. “It’s important that this investigation collect as much information from as many knowledgeable sources as possible.”

Meanwhile, the investigation’s deadline for surveys of Indigenous British Columbians about their experiences accessing the B.C. health-care system has been extended to Aug. 6. Turpel-Lafond encourages those who have not yet taken the survey to do so: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/189465?lang=en

Anybody with complaints about a specific incident of racism in the health-care system can also call the investigation’s toll free line at 1 888 600-3078 or email the team at: addressing_racism@gov.bc.ca (mailto:addressing_racism@gov.bc.ca)

The toll-free number and email address will continue to accept submissions after the written survey closes.

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