> For immediate release
>
> V/RHB's new employment equity policy embraces
> lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender diversity
>
> Vancouver, BC: Aug. 4, 2000 -- The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board (V/RHB)
> has included a fifth group comprising lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
> persons in its recently-adopted employment equity policy contained in its
> Framework for Diversity report.
>
> The report, which was approved at the Board's June 22, 2000 meeting,
> formalizes what many of the region's healthcare organizations are already
> doing, or want to do more of, said V/RHB Board Member Bonnie Pearson.
>
> "There are many diverse roles, cultures and human circumstances that
> characterize Vancouver and Richmond and these oblige us to respond to
> diversity with regard and respect," she said.
>
> The Framework will guide polices, procedures and initiatives in three areas:
>
> * Diversity in health care delivery - intended to ensure, "the
> concepts of diversity will be integrated into all facets of health service
> delivery."
> * Human rights - intended to ensure, "the right to a work and service
> environment that is free of discrimination and harassment."
> * Employment Equity - intended to ensure, "employment practices are
> free from bias in recruitment, training and promotional opportunities."
>
> In addition to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, the other
> four groups include women, aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities and
> persons belonging to visible minorities.  Research has shown that these
> groups have experienced persistent patterns of employment disadvantage due
> to discrimination, said Pearson, who is also Chair of the health board's
> Human Resources and Health Policy Committee.  The inclusion of lesbian, gay,
> bisexual and transgender persons in the employment equity category puts the
> V/RHB at the leading-edge of policy in this area, she said.
>
> "They should not have to experience barriers to employment due to systemic
> discrimination," said Pearson. "Employment equity means creating a workforce
> that represents the diverse population it serves.  She added, "It is a
> climate in which no one is denied employment or advancement opportunities
> for reasons unrelated to a person's ability to do the job."
>
> Pearson pointed to some of the steps the health board has taken to address
> diversity including:
> * Establishing Population Health Advisory Committees for aboriginal;
> children and youth; people with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual and
> transgender; mental health; multicultural; seniors; and women
> * Developing a board policy around diversity and employment equity
> * Creating long-standing programs and services such as the
> Multicultural Health Education Program, translated health education
> resources and pre-natal classes in different languages
>
> The Framework for Diversity is the result of four-year process of research,
> deliberations, and consultation with the region's unions, community
> representatives, and management, led by the board's Human Resources and
> Health Policy Committee.
>
> Established in 1996, the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board promotes and
> provides for the physical, mental and social well-being of people who live
> in the Vancouver/Richmond region, and all those who receive health services
> within Vancouver and Richmond.  The health board is responsible for funding
> and coordinating health care service delivery including hospitals,
> continuing care services, mental health services and public health.
>
> -30-
>
> To obtain a copy of the report, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
>
> Avrill Peters, Manager, Media Relations
> Office:  (604) 714-3750 or Cell:  (604) 788-2480
> Email:   [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Fact Sheet
> V/RHB: A diverse region
>
> The Vancouver/Richmond health region is characterized by diversity.
> Following are some examples of the changing demographics of our communities:
>
> * Almost one in three people in the Lower Mainland is a member of a
> visible minority.
>
> * Nearly half the population of the region has a first language other
> than English.
>
> * About half the province's Aboriginal population now lives
> off-reserve, primarily in the Lower Mainland, or on Vancouver Island.
>
> * About 18 per cent of British Columbians have some form of
> disability.
>
> * Five to ten per cent of the general population describe themselves
> as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
>
> * The population of our region is aging; in 1998, 11.7 per cent were
> 65-plus.
>
> -30-