Ontario Hospitals’ Anti-Racism Initiatives


The resources and initiatives listed here do not represent the full breadth of initiatives underway at Ontario hospitals and are drawn from information shared by members directly or online. As such, we invite hospital members to share their feedback and suggestions for additional content by emailing gotnews@oha.com.

Conferences, Summits and Events​

  • The second iteration of The Black Experiences in Healthcare Symposium took place in January 2020 and was hosted by Sinai Health System in collaboration with the Black Health Alliance, Health Commons Solutions Lab and support from the Toronto Central LHIN and Mississauga Halton LHIN 

  • Women's College Hospital Foundation hosted a virtual Black Healthcare Summit in October 2020 to explore the key issues contributing to poor health outcomes for Black people in Canada, and particularly, Black women. View a full recording of the Summit.  

Policies and Strategies

Working Groups and Action Plans

  • In September 2020, Michael Garron Hospital established a group (comprised of staff, physicians, and Foundation members) dedicated to dismantling anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and other forms of discrimination, known as the Inclusion Alliance.  
  • In 2020, Joseph Brant Hospital formed a Diversity and Inclusion Action Table (DIAT). The Annual Report 2020-2021 shares that the hospital has also implemented required learning on the history of racism and human rights for all team members and leaders. The hospital is also pursuing an external review of diversity and inclusion, which will inform a multi-year action plan.  
  • Holland Bloorview committed to transformative anti-Black racism in 2020. The CEO's February 2022 Black History Month message provides an update on this work.  
  • West Park Healthcare Centre has embarked on new initiatives since 2019 to eradicate racism and promote diversity. Learn more about the various initiatives and events. 

 Programs and Partnerships

  • In November 2020, CAMH launched Shkaabe Makwa - Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness.  
  • The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (CWP-IH) at Women's College Hospital, in partnership with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT), the Indigenous Health Program at University Health Network (UHN) and Shkaabe Makwa (CAMH), established a virtual hub called, Maad'ookiing Mshkiki – Sharing Medicine, which provides culturally relevant and trauma-informed information about COVID-19 vaccinations for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.  
  • University Health Network (UHN) 
  • The Aboriginal Healing Program at Michael Garron Hospital is a highly structured Accredited Leading Practice Aboriginal Program, accredited by Accreditation Canada. Their teachings are a blend of Aboriginal Teachings and Western information. 


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