May 21, 2020 (Vancouver, B.C.) - The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) has released a statement signed by over 200 business, community, faith-based and Indigenous leaders denouncing the recent rise in racist attacks in B.C.

“The business and broader community have, like all of us, seen and heard of the increasing number of subtle and overt acts of racism and hate in our province and country,” said Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO of the Business Council of B.C. “The Council’s coordination of business, community, Indigenous and faith-based leaders reflects a united and public commitment to take a stand to stop racism and hate, while encouraging British Columbians to celebrate our diversity and the advantages it has and will bring for generations to come.”

The letter includes the support of prominent British Columbians such as the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Janet Austin; Jimmy Pattison, Chairman and CEO of the Jim Pattison Group; Brandt Louie, Chairman and CEO of the H.Y. Louie Group of Companies; Chief Rick Mclean of the Tahltan Band; Jeff Zweig, Chair, BCBC Board of Governors and President and CEO of Mosaic Forest Management; and Sue Paish, President and CEO of the Digital Technology Supercluster and immediate past Chair of the Business Council.

“Kindness, unity and common purpose are essential to make each of us and our communities, organizations, province and country better. We believe we have an obligation to stand up to division and intolerance, which is not the Canadian way, and support family, friends, colleagues and neighbours regardless of their heritage, skin colour or faith,” stated Mr. D’Avignon. “We need to look back on this time with pride, knowing that we came together as a province and community to be our best selves as we face the challenges ahead together.”

The Business Council of B.C. and our signatory partners across the province call for an end to the hateful acts and behaviours that have risen in the province and asks each of us to increase our understanding of what constitutes hate and racism, foster belonging and practice inclusiveness that is demonstrative of the true nature of British Columbians. The statement, published in media throughout the province on Thursday, May 21, is available for reading on the BCBC website.

About the Business Council of British Columbia

Now in its 54^th year as the premier business organization in British Columbia, the Business Council of B.C. is a non-partisan organization made up of 250 leading and largest companies, post-secondary institutions and industry organizations from across B.C.'s diverse economy. The Council produces exceptional public policy research and advocacy in support of creating a competitive economy for the benefit of all British Columbians.

Media Contact

Colin Wong
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C 604.764.8605
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