Health Officials investigating reports of racism against Indigenous people in health care

Health Minister Adrian Dix has appointed Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to investigate the facts regarding racism in hospitals.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says he was told last night about a game played by health care workers in at least one emergency room in B.C. to guess the blood alcohol level of patients in the ER in particular Indigenous people and perhaps others.

Lafond will be investigating all the facts regarding the situation and following them wherever they may lead. Dix says if confirmed the conduct is beyond unacceptable. He says if it is true it’s intolerable, unacceptable and racist.

Dix says he will be reaching out to Indigenous leaders in B.C. especially those in health care, as the fundamental issues are investigated. He goes on to say that cultural safety and humility in health care is more important than ever.

Premier John Horgan also issued a statement regarding the situation where he says, “I am outraged by reports of ugly, anti-Indigenous, racist behaviour at multiple health-care facilities in B.C. This behaviour degrades the standards and provisions of health care in our province. It cannot stand. There is no excuse. There is no explaining this away.”