VANCOUVER — British Columbia's agriculture minister says he is disappointed that a human rights tribunal decision finding discrimination against Indo-Canadian veterinarians is being challenged.
Norm Letnick has written a letter to the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia, saying there is no place for racism or prejudice.
"It is important that veterinarians in the province, especially those who were the victims of racism, have the confidence and certainty that they will be treated fairly and with dignity," he said in a statement.
The college is seeking a judicial review of a decision by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.
The tribunal decided last month that the college — which used to be called the British Columbia Medical Veterinary Association — engaged in systemic discrimination against 13 doctors who were born and trained in India.
The written decision said "race-based stereotypes" played a role in the way the college dealt with the veterinarians, "including negative generalized views about the credibility and ethics of Indo-Canadians in relation to their veterinary practices."
The college was ordered to pay each doctor between $2,000 and $35,000 for "injury to dignity," plus thousands of dollars for loss of salaries and expenses.
Letnick said the regulatory body for veterinarians in B.C. also needs to take steps to ensure it is operating in the best interest of the public and its members.
He wants the college to add cultural sensitivity language to its policies and conducting a review to see how other colleges avoid the perception of bad faith.
"The Human Rights Code applies to the college and all organizations in the province, and I expect the college to fully respect and support the Human Rights Code," Letnick said.
The minister's letter said he understands that the college has already taken steps to address discrimination, including eliminating an English language requirement and implementing a non-discrimination policy.
