Photo Courtesy, Province of British Columbia Flickr

By Veronica Beltran

allegations of racism in health-care

Health Minister addresses allegations made of ‘racist and completely abhorrent’ practices in B.C. health-care system

Jun 19, 2020 | 10:39 AM

VANCOUVER—Health Minister Adrian Dix made a media appearance this morning in regards to serious allegations of racism in the B.C. health-care system.

Dix explained that the allegations involved a game being played in an E.R. room to try and guess the blood-alcohol level of patients, in particular patients of Indigenous descent.

“Last night I was made aware of serious allegations of racist and completely abhorrent practices in an emergency room or emergency rooms in B.C.”—Adrian Dix, B.C. Health Minister

“If true it is intolerable, unacceptable and racist,” added Dix.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, a Canadian lawyer who was appointed as B.C.’s first Representative for Children and Youth in 2006 has been appointed to lead the investigation into the allegations.

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“Action is required.—Adrian Dix, B.C. Health Minister

Dix adds that it is disappointing to know that something like this would occur at this day and age.

“For a number of years we have been working together, collaboratively, all the partners in health-care to pursue cultural safety in our health-care system. Cultural safety and humility in our health-care system….that work is more important than ever,’ said Dix.

The Health Minister will be reaching out to Indigenous leaders across the province. Minister Dix did not mention where this alleged incident took place.

Photo Courtesy, Province of British Columbia Flickr.