Investigation of racist game in BC hospitals finds widespread discrimination against Indigenous people

The findings of a months-long investigation into allegations of a racist “Price is Right” style game in BC’s hospitals that involved guessing Indigenous patient's blood alcohol content (BAC) was released on Monday.

Led by former judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the investigation concluded that while the specific allegations about the game being played in emergency rooms were unfounded, widespread racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in BC health-care system was found.

"Indigenous people and health-care workers have spoken clearly - racism is an ugly and undeniable problem in B.C. health care that must be urgently addressed," said Turpel-Lafond, a former judge.

Amongst the nearly 2,800 Indigenous people who participated, 84% reported experiencing some form of discrimination in health care.

More than half of the Indigenous health-care workers who participated said they had personally experienced racism at work.

The investigation also found "extensive profiling of Indigenous patients based on stereotypes about addictions."

Meanwhile, the investigation did find anecdotal reports similar to the original "Price is Right" game allegation, however, those reports were not found to be widespread nor targeted at Indigenous patients.

"Nevertheless, our review found clear evidence of a much more widespread and insidious problem - a lack of cultural safety and hundreds of examples of prejudice and racism throughout the entire B.C. health-care system," Turpel-Lafond said.

Turpel-Lafond is putting forward 24 recommendations to government, including improving accountability, legislative changes, and an improved complaint process.

There are also recommendations focused on mandatory health professional education, better public education about Indigenous history and health, and a new School for Indigenous Medicine.