MLA Ravi Kahlon Will Be In Charge Of Leading The Consultation!
VICTORIA – British Columbia will re-establish a human rights commission to fight inequality and discrimination in all its forms, announced Premier John Horgan last week. “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. By re-establishing a human rights commission, we will create a more-inclusive and just society, where we work together to eliminate inequality and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,” said Premier Horgan.
The government also announced that newly elected MLA Ravi Kahlon will lead the consultation process that will provide recommendations on the Commission can better serve British Columbians.
British Columbia is the only province in Canada without a human rights commission. The previous commission was dismantled in 2002 in favour of a complaint-driven tribunal.
“Building a better B.C. that is vibrant and full of opportunity starts with making sure everyone feels welcome to be a part of that future. Not only must we address discrimination when and where it happens, we must also educate, reach out, and take proactive steps to address systemic inequalities,” said B.C.’s Attorney General David Eby. “I have asked Parliamentary Secretary Ravi Kahlon to lead the public consultation process and I look forward to receiving his recommendations.”
The consultation process will include both online and face-to-face meetings with British Columbians, stakeholders and human rights experts, and will seek to learn what a renewed human rights commission could look like. The consultation is expected to start this September and continue through the autumn months, with legislation expected to follow in 2018.
”I am honoured to be tasked with leading this consultation because British Columbians deserve a commission that best works for them and those they care about,” said Kahlon, who was also appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Multiculturalism.
The BC Federation of Labour commended the new provincial government on the re-establishment of the BC Human Rights Commission.
“The BC Federation of Labour believes strongly that human rights are workers’ rights, and that systemic discrimination of marginalized workers needs to be addressed at the highest level,” stated Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour. “The BC Human Rights Commission can help to address this discrimination.”
The BCFED remains dedicated to educating the public and union members on this issue. We look forward to working with the BC Human Rights Commission and assisting in any way we can to end systemic discrimination of vulnerable workers in this province.
