For many Nova Scotians, a trip to the store can be a stressful experience.
In a 2013 report by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, roughly three quarters of Aboriginal and two thirds of African Canadian respondents said they were ignored or followed by retail staff.
C.E.O. Christine Hanson says they are working with retailers on guidelines to help educate their staff on cultural competency.
“”They recognize that racism still exists in the province and more importantly they want to try and work with us to help with this problem. I mean, they don’t want to be alienating one sixth of their customers,” says Hanson. “They want to make sure that all of their customers feel welcome in their stores. And part of the problem – it’s really just an education issue. “
New guidelines are in the works to train retailers on cultural competency.
Hanson expects to see those materials available by fall.
