B.C.’s premier says many in the province are not feeling safe given the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in B.C. and across the country.
Appearing on Steele and Vance, David Eby says the province is offering funding for groups to help pay for security and plans to launch a helpline for people experiencing racist incidents.
“We cannot let hate and division take hold in British Columbia, so giving people a chance to bring this information forward if they don’t feel comfortable going to police for whatever reason so they can be supported, be referred to a community group that can provide counselling, and then the support maybe to make a report to law enforcement,” Eby said.
“This is our goal here to be able to address this and our goal is to get it up and running by the spring.”
RELATED: Helpline and funding for groups to combat hate-motivated violence in B.C.
Eby says incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in B.C. and the rest of Canada are making people feel unsafe to wear religious attire.
“People just not feeling safe in the community if they’re wearing a headscarf, if they’re wearing hajib, if they’re wearing a kippah, a Jewish cap,” Eby said.
The province will release more information about the grants for organizations on Nov. 28.
David Eby touched on a number of topics while speaking with Steele and Vance, including housing legislation, public safety, and online harassment. Watch the full interview or the full episode below:
David Eby interview:
Full episode:
Laura Brougham
