B.C. launches racism reporting hotline in 240 languages

Article Content

VICTORIA — British Columbia has launched a new helpline for people who have witnessed or experienced incidents of racism, offering support in more than 240 languages.

The provincial government says callers will receive support and guidance, which may include referrals to local community support services such as counselling or help making a report to police.

Callers will allegedly be asked to describe where and what the incident took place and whether they are willing to disclose “basic demographic information.”

Article Content

The provincial government says data from the hotline will help officials better understand where and how such incidents occur in British Columbia, helping them better combat racism through various programs, services or initiatives.

British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a news release that hate incidents are “deeply painful” and that the new hotline will create pathways to meet the unique needs of each individual.

The hotline will operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the province says people who call outside of those hours will be asked to leave a voice message with information and a callback number.

Anyone wishing to report an incident should call 1-833-457-5463.

The provincial government says the hotline is a toll-free service offered in partnership with United Way BC 211 and is not intended to replace emergency services, and people who need urgent help should still call 911.

Local organizations interested in becoming part of the hotline’s referral database can apply for funding from the United Way of British Columbia, the agency said.

Bookmark our site and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know – Add Vancouver Sun and Provincial Network Add to your bookmarks and Subscribe to our newsletter here.

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: for just $14 a month, you’ll get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Subscribe now to support us: Vancouver Sun | province.

Share this article on your social network