FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3, 2020

FACL BC has always advocated for equity and justice, and, in doing so, stands against racism and discrimination aimed at Asian communities in Canada. As members of the legal profession, it is our duty to advocate for the rights and freedoms of all persons and to oppose oppression. This duty does not stop with the Asian community or at our borders. We believe that it is important to speak out against racism that impacts any community. This activism is a reflection of our values and mission as an organization.

Black lives matter, at all times and in all places. As historically marginalized communities, we must stand together with Black communities in condemning violence, oppression, and racism. We also recognize the historical ties between Asian and Black communities, the fact that there are members of our communities with both Asian and Black heritage, and the importance of solidarity against white supremacy.

We urge and demand that fair and proper investigations be conducted into the deaths of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. We recognize that Black communities in Canada have been disproportionately targeted by police violence. “A CBC analysis in 2018 found that 18 [B]lack men and one [B]lack boy were among the 52 people killed in encounters with Toronto police officers between 2000 and 2017. That is more than a third of the total figure. Of those 52 cases, seven Toronto police officers have faced charges after being involved in the death of a civilian. Only one was found guilty” (capitalization added).¹ We condemn police violence against Black people in the US and in Canada. We call upon authorities to create long-term strategies to eradicate this violence and to invest in resources for marginalized community members.

FACL BC also recognizes that anti-Black racism exists in British Columbia, and has displaced Black communities, including those formerly residing in Hogan’s Alley. We applaud the initiative headed by The Hogan’s Alley Society, which seeks to honour the legacy of Black Strathcona residents and is “working with the City of Vancouver to ensure that the redevelopment of the Hogan’s Alley block represents the legacy of the Strathcona’s Black community.”²

We also condemn the actions of Officer Tou Thao, who stood by while George Floyd was asphyxiated.³ His complicity depicts the dire need and responsibility to be actively anti-racist. We must confront anti-Black racism within our own communities, dismantle the “model minority” myth,⁴ which harms both Black and Asian communities,⁵ and hold ourselves and others in our communities accountable. We call on Asian communities in Canada to commit to being actively anti-racist and combat anti-Black racism. This includes learning about the history of anti-Black racism, having conversations about race and anti-Black racism with family and friends, listening to and amplifying Black voices, and demanding justice and accountability.⁶

We commit to working towards strengthening interracial solidarity with Black communities, including the Black Canadian legal community.

FACL BC has compiled a resource list for individuals who wish to support Black communities moving forward. We also invite our members and members of the public to consult various other publicly released statements from other law organizations in light of these events:

• Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL)
• University of British Columbia Black Law Students’ Association
• Black Law Students Association of Canada, University of Toronto Chapter
• Black Law Students’ Association of Osgoode
• FACL Ontario
• Osgoode Asian Law Students Association
• Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA) and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)

On behalf of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society

About FACL BC

The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society is a diverse coalition of Asian Canadian legal professionals working to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the wider community.  FACL BC represents the interests of over 300 legal professionals in British Columbia. Its members include lawyers from all areas of practice ranging from large firm lawyers, in-house counsel, solo practitioners, students, professors and lawyers serving at all levels of government. 

For more information, contact inquiries@faclbc.ca.

--

¹ https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-june-1-2020-1.5592953/police-brutality-continually-treated-like-a-one-off-in-canada-says-desmond-cole-1.5592954 
² https://www.hogansalleysociety.org/about-hogans-alley/
³ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/officer-who-stood-george-floyd-died-asian-american-we-need-n1221311
⁴ https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/what-is-the-model-minority-myth
⁵ https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/524571669/model-minority-myth-again-used-as-a-racial-wedge-between-asians-and-blacks
⁶ https://medium.com/awaken-blog/20-allyship-actions-for-asians-to-show-up-for-the-black-community-right-now-464e5689cf3e

Updated April 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming rise of racist incidents against Asian people across North America, including BC. BC has the most reported incidents per capita of any sub-national region in North America. The majority of incidents are against East and Southeast Asian individuals, and Asian women are the most disproportionately targeted, making up 60% of reported incidents (source: Fight COVID Racism).

To support our community members who are impacted, FACL BC’s Advocacy Committee has put together this resource guide.

BC Government Anti-Racism FAQs

Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network

The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network offers a province-wide approach to identifying and challenging racism.

VictimLinkBC

VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across BC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime.

Contact: 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free) or VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

Crime Victim Assistance Program

The Crime Victim Assistance Program assists victims, immediate family members, and some witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime.

Contact: 1-866-660-3888 (toll-free) or cvap@gov.bc.ca

BC Human Rights Tribunal 

Contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal to file a complaint or if you have questions about whether you can file a complaint.

Contact: 1-888-440-8844 (toll-free) or BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca

BC Human Rights Clinic

The BC Human Rights Clinic provides free legal assistance and representation to individuals who have filed complaints with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. To apply for free legal representation from the Clinic, complete and return this application form: https://bchrc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1.-Clinic-Application-for-Legal-Services-Apr-2020.pdf

Contact: 1-855-685-6222 (toll free) or intakebchrc@clasbc.net

Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia

Access Pro Bono offers British Columbians a full spectrum of free legal services—from information to advice to representation.

Elimin8hate - Report a Racist Incident

The Elimin8hate reporting centre collects data on incidents of racism, hate and violence experienced by the Asian diaspora in Canada.

Fight COVID Racism

This platform allows individuals to share their experiences of anti-Asian racism and includes resources and support.

Act2endracism

Resource materials available in English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog.

Responding to Hate Toolkit: combat anti-Asian racism by taking action - Ryerson University

This guide provides information so that you can understand and respond to three kinds of hate: Hate Crimes, Hate Incidents and Acts of Discrimination.

project 1907 Resource List

This list includes anti-Asian racism and history resources, workshops and learning tools, and self-care and healing resources.

Elimin8hate Resource List

A resource list for reporting incidents, accessing mental health support, and intervening and supporting others.

Asian Mental Health Collective

• Asian Canadian Therapist Directory

• Organizations Directory

The Asian Mental Health Collective aspires to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.

Asian Mental Health Project

The Asian Mental Health Project aims to educate and empower Asian communities in seeking mental healthcare.

Healing Together

A community healing space for young Asian women and gender-diverse youth facilitated by Madelyn Chung, a Registered Psychotherapist. April 8, 15, 22 6-7 PM EST.

Cultivating Growth and Solidarity

A Mental Health Hub for Asian Communities in Canada.

Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre

The MMHRC provides resources in multiple languages to support culturally safe and competent mental health care for Canada’s diverse population.

For Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking people: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Help Lines 

Led by trained volunteers, the help lines provide Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking callers with confidential emotional support and referrals to community resources that can support them to address a wide range of life issues.

BC Government Virtual Mental Health Supports During COVID-19

Virtual services are available for British Columbians who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges.

Self-Care Tips For Asian Americans Dealing With Racism Amid Coronavirus by Brittany Wong

Therapists share the advice they give Asian American clients who are dealing with discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Four Bodies: A Holistic Toolkit for Coping With Racial Trauma by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - How to Respond to Harassment for People Experiencing Anti-Asian/American Harassment Training Workshop

Virtual workshops organized by Asian Americans Advancing Justice in partnership with Hollaback!.

COVID-19 Resources

Practise Resources for BC Lawyers

• Law Society of BC COVID-19 page: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/about-us/covid-19-response/
• CBA BC COVID-19 Resource Hub: https://www.cbabc.org/Publications-and-Resources/COVID-19-Resource-Hub
  
  

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by Webinar

Court Notices

• BC Court of Appeal: https://www.bccourts.ca/Court_of_Appeal/index.aspx 
• BC Supreme Court: https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court/index.aspx 
• BC Provincial Court: https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19
  
  

Supports for Businesses and Individuals

• See LSBC page covering Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), BC Emergency Benefit for Workers, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Temporary Rent Supplement Program, Commercial Rent assistance, among other supports: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/about-us/covid-19-response/resources/
  
  

Housing

• See above under Supports for Businesses and Individuals for Rental Assistance Resources 
• Residential Tenancy Branch - COVID-19 and Tenancies: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19
  
  

Employment

• See above under Supports for Businesses and Individuals for: CERB, BC Emergency Benefit for Workers, etc.
  
  

Health

• BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19 
• BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool: https://covid19.thrive.health/ 
• Testing - for individuals with symptoms, a list of collection centres (locations where you can be tested) across the province to find one near you or call 8-1-1 to find the nearest centre: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3862560c5a41418e9d78f4f81688e9d0 
• MOSAIC Multilingual COVID19 Health Navigator: https://www.mosaicbc.org/news/covid19-health-navigator-initiative-launched/
  
  

Mental Health and Wellness

• Lawyer’s Assistance Program: https://www.lapbc.com/ 
• LifeWorks Canada: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/support-and-resources-for-lawyers/lawyer-wellness-and-personal-support/lifeworks-canada/ 
• Mental Health Commission of Canada: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/covid19
  
  

Support for Hate Crimes

• Victim Link BC: a toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across B.C. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-563-0808 or by email: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca
  
  

Travel

• Federal Travel Restrictions, Exemptions and Advice: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html 
  
  

Provincial Updates

• COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support?utm_campaign=20200319_GCPE_AM_COVID_6_NOTIFICATION_BCGOVNEWS_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION 
• Provincial government updates: https://news.gov.bc.ca/
  
  

COVID-19 Statement from the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society

March 23, 2020

To our members and partners:

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to spread globally and has impacted our lives greatly.  To date, there are over 300,000 confirmed cases and 14,000 deaths globally, and the situation in British Columbia and the rest of Canada has been worsening.  The World Health Organization, Centre for Disease Control and our public health officials have collectively urged the public to strongly comply with a number of preventive measures to combat COVID-19.  These measures will protect yourself, your family and your community.^1,2   These measures include, but are not limited to:

1. Practice social distancing when you are out in the community, and remain at home as much as possible;
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water (alternatively, hand sanitizers when you are out in the community) for at least 20 seconds;
3. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces;
4. If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, wear a mask, self-isolate for 14 days and seek medical assistance accordingly;
5. Self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Canada; and
6. Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare providers and public health officials.

We hereby ask and urge you to immediately follow and comply with these measures seriously, and encourage those around you to do the same.  As a legal or industry professional, you play an important role in the fabric of our society and communities.  You are a role model to those around you and your leadership will be instrumental to our collective fight against COVID-19.   Our healthcare professionals are working tirelessly and altruistically with shortages in staffing and resources – the least we can do is our part not just as legal and industry professionals, but as a responsible member of the society in general.  This is beyond just you – think about your colleagues, friends, family and the communities at large, especially those who are vulnerable.  

Together, we can help prevent unnecessary deaths and spread of cases. 

On behalf of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society

--

¹  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19 

²  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

FACL BC STATEMENT AGAINST PREJUDICIAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE CORONAVIRUS​ 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE I FEBRUARY 9, 2020

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (“FACL BC”) unequivocally condemns The Province newspaper’s February 6th, 2020 headline that described the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as the "China Virus." The Province newspaper is one of the most widely distributed newspapers in British Columbia, hence the impact of its journalism is far-reaching and significant.

FACL BC calls on The Province to publicly apologize for using such a xenophobic headline that targets the Asian community. We also call on The Province, as well as other journalists, news organizations and other public sources of information to exercise greater responsibility and cultural sensitivity in reporting on the Novel Coronavirus.

The use of the term China Virus is a deliberate conflation between the Novel Coronavirus and China or Chinese people. This has no factual or scientific basis and is rooted in prejudice and the racial profiling of people of Chinese origin, who account for roughly 12 percent of the B.C. population. Most significantly, it contributes towards the racialization of diseases such as the Novel Coronavirus, which in turn perpetuates the recent rise in xenophobic hate crimes against the Asian community in Canada.

These incidents are unfortunately reminiscent of the discrimination faced by Asian-Canadians during the 2003 SARS outbreak. A 2004 report, “Yellow Peril Revisited: The Impact of SARS on Chinese and Southeast Asian Communities”, examined the impact of the SARS outbreak on Asian-Canadians, and found pervasive discrimination, harassment, and marginalization in workplaces and public settings. People avoided restaurants and businesses in the Chinese community and shunned individuals with Asian backgrounds. It is critical that we remember these experiences and ensure that they do not continue.

In light of the fact that headlines such as the one used by The Province can put entire communities at risk, it is imperative that journalists exercise greater responsibility and sensitivity when reporting on the Novel Coronavirus.

FACL BC calls on political leaders at all levels of government to be proactive in combatting misperceptions and discrimination during this time. As the situation continues to develop, FACL BC will continue to engage with its members, relevant stakeholders, and decision-makers to ensure that we are all vigilant in addressing prejudice against people of Asian descent.

We hope that you join us in calling for accountability on the part of The Province. As British Columbians, we should expect and demand better. 

For those who have experienced discrimination, here are some resources:

• If you have been a victim of a hate crime, contact your local Police or RCMP detachment or dial 9-1-1.

• Connect with a community agency to get support. There are various organizations in British Columbia that can provide support for victims of racism, including those in Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) communities across the province.

• File a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal (http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/index.htm)

• If you are a person of limited means and wish to get legal advice, contact Access Pro-bono (http://www.accessprobono.ca/contact-apb)

About FACL BC

The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society is a diverse coalition of Asian Canadian legal professionals working to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the wider community.  FACL BC represents the interests of over 300 legal professionals in British Columbia. Its members include lawyers from all areas of practice ranging from large firm lawyers, in-house counsel, solo practitioners, students, professors and lawyers serving at all levels of government. 

For more information, contact inquires@faclbc.ca.