In the wake of anti-racist protests in 2020, we called on organizations, advocates, community leaders, Indigenous and racialized Albertans from varying backgrounds to participate in a series of conversations on the reality of racism in Alberta. Based on their initial input, we began work on anti-racism in six issue areas: healthcare, education, public safety, community support, economic participation, and democratic participation.
Starting in December of 2020, we engaged with over 600 people over six weekends to have heartfelt and honest conversations on each of those topics. These discussions operate in parallel to work already underway by Edmonton-Rutherford MLA and Indigenous Relations Critic Richard Feehan to establish relationships with indigenous communities and push for the implementation of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Following our consultations, we took insights from those conversations and condensed them into straightforward suggestions on ways to address racism. This document intends to be a record of those conversations and to ignite new ones. We don’t have all the answers, but these recommendations are a starting point for discussions.
Participants made it loud and clear — they want substantive change, and they want it now. Communities told us they need ownership over change, and accountability from all those tasked with implementing it.
An overwhelming number of respondents advocated for the collection of race-based data and government wide anti-racism training. We recognize the role these policy measures play in dismantling racism, and are fully committed to implementing these steps.
Having heard from hundreds of Albertans, we feel confident that we have thoroughly examined these issues and are the focus in the report below. We encourage each and every single Albertan to read our report and let us know how we can move forward into a better Alberta for all.
I believe we are all stronger when united. Much work remains to build Alberta into a province that is truly anti-racist, but Alberta’s NDP looks forward to taking the next steps with all of you. - Jasvir Deol, MLA
Over a few months, we had heartfelt and honest conversations about the state of racism in our communities. It is not easy to share experiences of racism and trauma, and I am thankful to all participants for their courage to share them with us. Your feedback and insights are invaluable to this process. Moreover, I am moved and motivated by the hope and optimism of participants who engaged in this project. - Rachel Notley
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