The B.C. government says its racist incident helpline is making a difference – one year after its launch.
From May 30, 2024, to May 29, 2025, the Province reports that 94 per cent of the line’s 807 callers stated that their needs have been met.
“Racism has no place in B.C., but we know it exists, and we are determined to continue to fight it in all its forms, through all the tools available at our disposal,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma. “As part of that work, we are proud to provide this resource that is connecting so many people in need with services that can help them heal and reclaim their sense of safety and belonging.”
Nearly a quarter of callers were between the ages of 30 and 39, and 22 per cent reported incidents coming from the workplace. Callers are directed to services for coping with racism, including legal advice, peer support and mental health resources.
“I know this is a long process, but it makes me feel better to talk about everything,” said one caller to the helpline, whose family was experiencing racism, aggression and intimidation from their neighbour on a shared yard. “Thank you for your time and for listening to me. I feel less pressured now. This has been really helpful.”
The Province has invested $2.2 million across 32 organizations to create the helpline, including the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, which operates in the Kootenays.
Anyone needing the helpline can call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-833-457-5463 (1-833-HLP-LINE). After-hours callers can request a callback during regular hours.
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