MLA's Rice and Ross speak to NDP's Anti-racism Motion in Monday Legislature session

The BC Legislature is back in session with both in person and remote
participation from MLA's

After a one week break, the British Columbia legislature has resumed its summer sitting and today's business included debate and discussion on a government motion towards anti-racism, a topic which featured both MLA Jennifer Rice and MLA Ellis Ross as part of the Monday morning conversation.

The Private Member's motion which was introduced by Surrey-Guildford MLA Garry Begg, is calling on the Legislature to resolve the following:

That this House unanimously condemn racism in all its forms and commit to building a more inclusive province through anti-racism.

Both Northwest MLA's were participating in Monday's session through the remote attendance project in place, with their video presentations streamed live from outside of Victoria

Diversity is part of British Columbia's identity and one of the province's greatest strengths. The harsh reality is that many in our community — black, Indigenous and other people of colour — face racial discrimination as part of their daily lives. -- MLA Jennifer Rice speaking Monday at the legislature

For her contribution to the day's conversation, North Coast NDP MLA Jennifer Rice spoke of systemic racism in the media, highlighting the need to reframe our views that are built on a system of colonialism; a current of conversation that she has explored a number of times through her time in the Legislature.

"Our systems are built on the foundation of colonialism. Every Canadian system was built to privilege white male land-owning identities. That means if you deviate in any way from that identity, that you have to struggle to overcome these systems every day." -- MLA Jennifer Rice on racism as part of Monday's legilsature discussion

Mr. Ross, who has not been shy on the topic in recent years either, spoke Monday on the need to focus on education to build towards better understanding for the future.

I believe, like most do in this House, that to address the issue of racism in our communities is to focus on education. We need to promote understanding and collaboration instead of teaching intolerance or taking sides. We have to find a solution. We have to find a common ground. We must acknowledge the true story of our past so that we can build a better future. -- MLA Ellis Ross speaking Monday at the legislature

The full  day's review of the commentary towards the motion can be found from the Legislature Transcript for the morning session here

The full video of the debate from the day is available from the House Video starting at the 11:47 AM mark of the morning session.

For more notes on the work of Ms. Rice and Mr. Ross in Victoria see our archive pages below:

MLA Jennifer Rice

MLA Ellis Ross