Why we place a priority on consistency
Beginning in the summer of 2020, Creative BC now asks all funding program applicants (individuals as well as projects/initiatives) to voluntarily self-identify via a set of standardized questions to share information on gender, Indigenous identity and race, disability, and sexual orientation.

Creative BC has previously collected information on identity factors, however it was incomplete, sometimes was collected in different ways, and therefore lacked comparability. To address these concerns, and to measure our progress effectively, all programs are now using the same questions and categories of responses, which are closely aligned with the way similar data is collected by Statistics Canada.

The purpose of consistency and alignment is to harmonize with other data sources and to support comparability with provincial and national benchmarks, which will in turn facilitate our accountability.

Why self-identification data collection is important 

The collection of self-identification data is driven by our own commitment to support a broad spectrum of voices and to ensure that we bring stories forward from many for whom there have been historic barriers to access resources.

Our collection of this data is in alignment with our Mission Statement as an organization:

• Creative BC serves to unite and champion the success of BC diverse and distinctive creative sector.
• It is also in alignment with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Additionally, we are committed to taking a leadership role in this area and to ensuring that provincial and federal governments data collection and reporting connects with our own, so together we can advance B.C. and Canada toward a culture of true equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A harmonized self-identification data collection process allows Creative BC to monitor the equity performance of its programs and design new measures that achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the creative industries.

Creative BC will ask people to voluntarily self-identify based on or as:

1. Gender 
2. Indigenous person to Canada  
3. 2SLGBTQIA+
4. Person living with one or more Disability  
5. Racial and ethnocultural identity

Completing the self-identification form is required, however all questions offer a selection “Prefer not to respond.”

PRIVACY AND COLLECTION OF INFORMATION 

The self-identification information is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of in accordance with the Privacy Act and B.C. Personal Information Protection Act the Access to Information Act. The information will be managed in accordance with provincial policies, directives and guidelines on information management and protection of personal information, and with Creative BC’s retention and disposition schedules.

Management of this information is the responsibility of Creative BC Privacy Officer and Director of Business Operations. Contact can be made at privacy@creativebc.com.

Choosing to self-identify or not will have no consequences for an application. In funding opportunities where Creative BC may offer special consideration for members of a designated equity group, applicants will be asked to provide their consent separately to use their self-identification information for that purpose.

Appropriate privacy notices will be provided and consent obtained when the voluntary self-identification information is collected.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the questions 

The collection of self-identification data is a central piece of Creative BC commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This data provides information on the diversity of the population applying for and receiving Creative BC funds and those working with and for the organization. This information increases Creative BC’s capacity to monitor progress and to ensure EDI is achieved in our programs. We want to use it to recognize and remove barriers, and to design new measures to achieve greater EDI in the creative industries.

2. Who is required to complete the questionnaire? 

All applicants and co-applicants for funding, as well as employees and increasingly everyone that uses our services, are required to respond to self-identification questions regarding gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and also to inform the process. However, revealing personal information is not mandatory and all questions have an option of Prefer not to respond.

After you apply to a Creative BC program, all key personnel associated with your application will receive an email to complete a Self-ID survey. Within that email, you’ll receive a URL to the survey, and a form number to use as a link back to your application. Once you answer all of the required questions, click on submit. An error message will display at the top of the page if you miss any required information.

6. Can I make changes to my questionnaire after it has been completed and submitted? 

No. Self-identification information cannot be changed. However, you may write the program analyst if you realize you have submitted incorrect information, and they can change your application if it has not already been reviewed.

7. Will my responses be tied to funding decisions in any way?

Yes. Our programs use weighted criteria by which special consideration for members of a designated equity group will be granted greater points in the evaluation process.