Why is this asked? — As mandated by the Anti-Racism Act, school boards must collect information about Indigenous identity to help identify, understand, monitor and address Indigenous people’s unique experiences of systematic racism and marginalization resulting from a history of colonialism and the impact of generational trauma.

This question refers to Indigenous people of Canada who have ancestors who have lived here for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived.

Why is this asked? — As mandated by the Anti-Racism Act, school boards must collect information about ethnic origin to help identify, understand and monitor systemic racism, marginalization and disparities in outcomes that people may experience based on ethnic origin.

Why is this asked? — As mandated by the Anti-Racism Act, school boards must collect information about racial identity to help understand and monitor systemic racism, marginalization and disparities in outcomes that people may experience based on race.

Race refers to the way society organizes people into groups, based on how you look. Race does not have to be related to your Country of origin. The examples provided are simply a guide.

Why is this asked? — Students who are newcomers or immigrants often face different challenges accessing education. Collecting student information on their status in Canada and how that may intersect with their experiences in school helps to identify, monitor and address systematic discrimination and disparities in services and outcomes that students may experience of the basis of immigration status and place of birth.

Why is this asked — Students with disabilities can face challenges accessing education. Collecting information about disabilities helps to monitor and address discrimination and disparities in services that students may face as a result of their disabilities.

A disability may be physical, mental, behavioural, developmental, sensory, communicational or a combination of any of these.

Why is this asked? — We ask about students’ first languages to identify program needs and to ensure that information from schools is communicated in languages that are understood at home. The languages listed in the question are provided in order of more reported languages from the 2016 Census.

Why is this asked? — Stereotypes and prejudice based on gender and gender identity are common and contribute to negative and discriminatory outcomes in schools. Collecting information about gender identity helps to monitor and address discrimination and disparities in outcomes student may experience on the basis of their gender, gender identity or gender expression. Gender identity is different from, and does not determine, a person’s sexual orientation.

Why is this asked? — As mandated by the Anti-Racism Act, school boards must collect information about religion to help identify, understand and monitor and address systemic racism, marginalization and disparities that people may experience based on religion.

Your faith/religion/creed is a system of beliefs that you and/or your family follow. This may involve certain special practices and celebrating special holidays. You may also visit a place of worship. “Atheism” refers to a lack of belief in any god or higher power. “No religion” refers to not following any religious practice.