B.C. racism helpline received 600 calls in less than a year

British Columbia's racism helpline has received around 600 calls since it started less than a year ago. The Attorney General, Niki Sharma, reported this number and said about 1,600 incidents have been referred to support agencies. The hotline was launched in May 2024 to help those facing racism. Most reports have come from urban areas, but there has been an increase in calls from rural locations this year. Sharma noted that while it is hoped no one would need to use the helpline, the current situation in the province makes it necessary. Sharma compared the number of calls to a similar hotline in California, which serves a much larger population. She expressed relief that people who report incidents are receiving the support they need. The callers include adults, seniors, and even children in sixth grade. Most incidents reported have occurred at workplaces, with service providers, in public spaces, at home, or with neighbors.