A former judge and B.C. child advocate has started her investigation into racist allegations in the province’s healthcare system.

Speaking to media today, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says the incidents brought forward affect all regions of B.C. and she indicates the allegations go back many years.

“This investigation is not trying to determine whether racism exists in B.C.’s healthcare system. It does exist. Just as it does in every aspect of Canadian society. What we want to gauge through this investigation and this process is the range and extent of that racism, and how it affects the quality of healthcare for Indigenous people in this province.”

Turpel-Lafond was appointed to investigate reports of emergency room workers guessing the blood alcohol content of Indigenous patients.

She says B.C.’s professional healthcare bodies – overseeing doctors nurses and others – have given unequivocal support for the investigation, and those bodies have assured her they will take appropriate action if presented evidence of wrongdoing.

“Our investigation will no doubt uncover some difficult truths. But ultimately, it’s about building up the confidence for Indigenous people in B.C.’s healthcare system, and to ensure that they are treated respectfully, with dignity, equality, and fundamental respect for their human rights.”