Vitals Signs report a blueprint for change
This month, the Victoria Foundation has been delighted to release the latest edition of the highly anticipated Victoria’s Vital Signs report, and the results are already making a splash in the community.
Released via a pandemic-friendly virtual launch (which is still available on our website to watch), the report contains information culled from data and statistics, combined with the results of our Citizen Survey to provide a telling look at our region and residents, particularly in light of the events of this year.
Many of the results are stunning. From the economic and health impacts of the pandemic, which have been significant, to the staggering number of illicit drug toxicity deaths we’ve seen this year, the report reveals many of the challenges our community is facing.
Particularly concerning to me are some of the statistics related to discrimination in our community.
For instance, 26 per cent of residents who took the Vital Signs survey earlier this year reported feeling uncomfortable at least sometimes as a result of discrimination. Statistics also tell us the rate of police-reported hate crimes in Victoria of 6.1 per 100,000 is higher than both the provincial and national rates of five and 4.9, respectively.
These are troubling truths. But surrounding some of the more concerning information in the report, one finds a message of hope. For instance, in the same survey, 95 per cent of residents indicated they believe themselves to be very accepting of people from different backgrounds. All told, 78 per cent agree it’s important to foster, learn about and respect Indigenous culture, values and traditions. And 61 per cent agree they have the opportunity to make a difference in their community.
Vital Signs is not a report of hopelessness. Rather it is a rallying cry, a call to action to face hard truths about our community and work together to make it the safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit we all want it to be. There’s enough positive information in the report to show us we’ve got a great head start, but there is still a need for change.
Real change doesn’t come from blind optimism or blissful ignorance, it comes from uncovering and understanding problems and then working to fix them. It takes commitment, collaboration and kindness, and it starts with information and understanding. Victoria’s Vital Signs offers a place to start this journey.
You can get the magazinestyle report by picking it up at various locations throughout the community, viewing it online at victoriafoundation.ca or calling the Victoria Foundation office at 250-381-5532 to request a mailed copy.