HSA welcomes report, commits to address systemic racism in health care

HSA welcomes today’s release of In Plain Sight, the report by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in BC’s health care system.

The report includes 24 recommendations for action, all focused on addressing the unacceptable experience of Indigenous people in the province’s health care system, as described in the report: 

“Indigenous people want to see change. They want to be treated with professionalism, compassion, and respect. They want to be believed when they report health care concerns and symptoms. Participants want to see policies and actions in the health system that meaningfully address racism and discrimination, including an accessible, meaningful and safe feedback process regarding health care experiences. Indigenous people see the need for training among health care workers to counteract stereotypes.” (In Plain Sight, full report, Page 31) 

HSA President Val Avery said HSA will review the 24 recommendations and assess the role the union and its members have in addressing the widespread systemic racism. 

“As a union, HSA is committed to working at all levels to make our health care system a safe place for everyone and we are committed to do more to end systemic racism in our communities. We are all responsible for doing our part in this critical work,” Avery said. 

“Ms. Turpel-Lafond’s report also highlights troubling experiences of Indigenous health care workers, and HSA is committed to ensuring our members can do their jobs without having to endure racism and discrimination at work,” she added. 

The investigation found wide spread systemic racism in the system affecting health care workers experiencing racism in their workplaces. The report found that: 

• Over half of the Indigenous respondents (52%) who took part in the HWS stated that they had personally experienced racism at work because of their Indigenous identity. This behaviour was most frequently exhibited by a colleague or fellow student (74%), or an individual in a position of authority over them (58%). (In Plain Sight, executive summary, Page 34) 

• Indigenous staff who were the targets of racist behaviour reported that it limited their career and resulted in negative personal outcomes. Over one-half of respondents said they experienced negative effects from racist behaviour. These negative effects included everything from physical health to self-esteem and chances for promotion. Close to 100 per cent of respondents reported moderate or significant negative effects on their mental and emotional health. (In Plain Sight, executive summary, Page 34)