The Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT)’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EID-AR) Working Group was established in spring 2021 as part of the Accountability and Implementation Structure for HPA-OHT. Secretariat staff and member organization representatives comprise the Working Group undertake this important work. 

To maintain focus on HPA-OHT’s diversity, equity and inclusion commitment, it is important to understand the work specifically within the health care sector. The Alliance for Healthier Communities Health Equity Charter 2020 is an excellent example of boldly addressing the needs of communities in relation to the best possible health for everyone.

Key Information

HPA-OHT's DEI Guidebook

The purpose of the HPA-OHT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Guide is to share information
with members and, together, take action. The Guide serves as one source for members to
integrate into their own organization’s DEI work and as the foundation for the future action by
the HPA-OHT DEI Working Group.

Download the PDF here.

HPA-OHT's DEI Statement

Last Updated: September 2021

This statement can be used by member organizations of the HPA-OHT as a “foundational
statement” to reflect their own and the HPA-OHT’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
in health system design and service delivery. This statement is designed to evolve as the HPA-OHT work progresses:

“Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT) works to create a healthcare system that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and provides equitable and inclusive care.

The Ontario Health Team commits to create and maintain a health system that is diverse, inclusive, equitable and welcoming.”

Land Acknowledgement

Last Updated: September 2022

We acknowledge and give thanks for the land on which we gather as being the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee/People of the Long House and the Anishinaabe.

We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water, and that this territory is subject to the Dish with One Spoon Wampum under which multiple nations agreed to care for the land and resources by the Great Lakes in peace.

We also acknowledge and recognize the treaties signed in regard to this land including Treaty #29 and Treaty #45 ½. Our roles and shared responsibilities as treaty people mean we are committed to moving forward in reconciliation with gratitude and respect with all First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous Peoples.

Download the PDF version here.

Truth & Reconciliation Actions

READ the 94 Calls to Action – especially 18 to 24 as they are related to health.

READ A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from TRC.

READ Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga

READ The Advocate online magazine at the Chiefs of Ontario web site.

BUY the Orange Shirt Day and WEAR it often.

LISTEN to All Our Relations: 2018 Massey Lectures by Tanya Talaga

LISTEN / WATCH / READ The Secret Path by Gord Downie & Jeff Lemire

DONATE to Downie & Wenjack Fund

EXPLORE a map of territories, languages, and treaties

Bringing reconciliation to healthcare means:
  • Promoting Policy and Systems Change.
  • Engaging Communities.
  • Recruiting and Retaining Indigenous Staff and Health Care Providers.
  • Engaging Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety Education.
  • Improving Indigenous Client Care and Outcomes.

Learn more at healthcarecan.ca

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources

Frameworks

Ontario Health developed an Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Framework with a focus on addressing anti-Indigenous and anti-Racism work through eleven areas of action.

View the framework here.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario released an Action Framework: Advancing Equity in Mental Health with ideas for integrating at service delivery, organizational and regional
levels.

View the framework here.

Cancer Care Ontario has an Equity in Engagement Framework; the framework promotes equitable engagement and tools to assist efforts to engage and connect with diverse
marginalized populations

View the framework here.

CAMH released a framework for Dismantling Anti-Black Racism; the framework outlines goals and specific actions to dismantle anti-Black racism within CAMH.

View the framework here.

Ontario Trillium Foundation released a Framework for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that outlines specific actions for staff, communities and volunteers.

View the framework here.

DEI Statement Samples

The Canadian Chiropractic Association released a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

View the statement here.

Lakeridge Health released a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

View the statement here.

Markham Stouffville Hospital endorsed its own version of the York Region Inclusion Charter.

View the statement here.

Dates of Significance

Refer to Government of Canada and Province of Ontario Important and Commemorative Days
sites for complete listing

Created and maintained by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (Ontario CLRI), the Diversity and Inclusion Calendar keeps track of days that may have special meaning for LTC residents, families and team members in Ontario all in one online space: religious and spiritual days of significance, cultural celebrations, awareness days and health promotion days. 

Learn more here.

Education & Training

Assessment/Evaluation

Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health has an Evaluation Toolkit; primarily directed towards mental health, well-being and addiction services evaluation.

View the toolkit here.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment, we urge all member organizations of the Huron Perth & Area – Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT) to integrate EID-AR education and training into their core staff development programs.

This area is a curated collection of online training modules and materials recommended by our EID-AR Working Group that have proven impactful and enlightening. These resources are designed to assist your team in developing a deeper understanding of EID-AR principles, enhancing patient care, and promoting a more inclusive workplace culture.

We strongly encourage all member organizations to commit to ongoing EID-AR work, ensuring that training for all staff is not just encouraged but mandatory. As we continue to grow and learn, this space will evolve, enriched by new findings and recommendations. If you have encountered a training module or resource significantly contributing to your EID-AR knowledge and practice, please share it with us. We are committed to reviewing all suggestions to ensure our resources remain comprehensive, up-to-date, and effective in driving real change within our community.

EID-AR Primer Curriculum for Healthcare Teams

Tailored for healthcare organizations who may be beginning their journey into Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism (EID-AR). This space offers essential, beginner-level training resources to introduce the fundamental principles of EID-AR, aimed at fostering a more equitable and inclusive healthcare environment. Ideal for newcomers or those seeking a refresher, these resources lay the groundwork for further learning and commitment to advancing EID-AR within our healthcare community.

Building the Foundations of Anti-Oppressive Healthcare is a training initiative aimed at fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within healthcare institutions, addressing the shortcomings of conventional approaches by encouraging a critical examination of personal assumptions, behaviors, and organizational practices. This program, consisting of two 4-hour modules delivered via Zoom, provides participants with access to online resources, additional readings, and reflective questions to support learning and develop a shared vocabulary for productive dialogue in live sessions. It challenges participants to use their social influence to effect positive change, disrupt harmful norms, and reimagine healthcare environments.

Dive into this engaging 90-minute self-learning course to enhance your understanding of cultural competence within the healthcare setting. Certified for 1.5 Mainpro+ credits by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, this course equips you with the necessary tools to understand the cultural continuum and implement cultural competence from the patient’s perspective. Utilize the Interactivity Guide for an enriched learning experience and apply Pre-Reflective Questions to evaluate cultural safety in your practice. This practical and enlightening course is part of Ontario Health’s (Cancer Care Ontario) Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Safety Course series, aimed at providing deep insights into the history, culture, and healthcare needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

100% of the HPA-OHT secretariat have taken this course.

This Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module from Toronto Academic Health Science Network serves as a comprehensive resource for health service providers, learners, staff, and physicians, aiming to deepen their understanding of Anti-Black Racism’s historical roots and its enduring impact in Canada. It offers insights into its various manifestations and encourages reflection and discussion on combating Anti-Black Racism in both professional and personal settings. Additionally, the module supports organizations in offering foundational education on Anti-Black Racism, recommending its incorporation as a vital part of ongoing learning and policy development.

100% of the HPA-OHT secretariat have taken this course.

Offered by Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) and Sherbourne Health, this comprehensive seven-module course is designed for healthcare and social service providers aiming to enhance their care for 2SLGBTQ individuals. Spanning essential topics such as 2SLGBTQ terminology, minority stress, health disparities, and inclusive care practices, each 30-minute module is structured to improve your comfort, competency, and critical thinking in delivering culturally sensitive and affirming care. Accredited for up to 3.5 Mainpro-M1 credits by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, this course promises a deep dive into the nuances of 2SLGBTQ health, guided by insights from an expert-led Online Learning Development Advisory Committee.

A nominal fee of $20 grants access to this pivotal resource, laying the groundwork for more inclusive healthcare practices.

General EID-AR Workshops

Participate in a range of workshops covering the essentials of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism, tailored for healthcare professionals.

Call it out: Racism, Racial Discrimination and Human Rights from the Ontario Human Rights Commission; a 30-minute interactive e-course that offers a foundation for learning about race, racial discrimination and human rights protections under Ontario Human Rights Code. 

Learn more here.

Building the Foundations of Anti-Oppressive Healthcare is a training initiative aimed at fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within healthcare institutions, addressing the shortcomings of conventional approaches by encouraging a critical examination of personal assumptions, behaviors, and organizational practices. This program, consisting of two 4-hour modules delivered via Zoom, provides participants with access to online resources, additional readings, and reflective questions to support learning and develop a shared vocabulary for productive dialogue in live sessions. It challenges participants to use their social influence to effect positive change, disrupt harmful norms, and reimagine healthcare environments.

Learn more

The Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project (IRMHP) provides comprehensive online training, tools, and resources tailored for professionals in settlement, social, and health services assisting immigrants and refugees. Participants will enhance their knowledge and skills, gaining access to new strategies and tools applicable to their roles, alongside the opportunity to network with service providers nationwide and receive expert advice. This self-paced initiative broadens the scope of the former Refugee Mental Health Project, focusing on a wide range of mental health issues among various immigrant and refugee groups and highlighting effective, evidence-based treatments and support mechanisms.

Learn more

Indigenous Focused Learning for Settlers

Explore resources designed to deepen understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives among settlers.

94 Calls to Action by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission; actions to advance Canada through the process of reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous Peoples—includes a “health” section (actions 18-24).

Learn more here.

Ontario Health’s (Cancer Care Ontario) Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Safety Course; a series of 13 Free online courses to provide knowledge about the history and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities.

Learn more here.

University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada Course; a free 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

Learn more here.

Some HPA OHT members have received San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety training from the Provincial Health Services Authority in BC. This training was provided up to ten members from each OHT in 2020-2021. There is an OHT goal to have all members trained in Indigenous Cultural Safety. It is an eight week, work-at-your-own pace course that requires 8 to 11 hour per week. Cost is approximately $300 per person. The training is accredited by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Canadian College of Health Leaders and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Learn more here.

The Anishinaabe Mino’Ayaawin – People in Good Health, developed by IPHCC, represents a holistic approach to Indigenous Cultural Safety that transcends mere cultural competency to include an understanding of historical, social contexts, and power dynamics affecting Indigenous health. This methodology emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, sensitivity, humility, and safety, addressing the detrimental effects of anti-Indigenous racism on the health and wellness of Indigenous communities in Ontario and across Canada. Through decolonizing and Indigenous-informed strategies, the IPHCC seeks to educate and transform the broader healthcare system to ensure equitable care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

Learn more here.

Addressing Anti-Black Racism

Engage with materials aimed at confronting and dismantling systemic and individual anti-Black racism within healthcare settings and beyond.

This Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module from Toronto Academic Health Science Network serves as a comprehensive resource for health service providers, learners, staff, and physicians, aiming to deepen their understanding of Anti-Black Racism’s historical roots and its enduring impact in Canada. It offers insights into its various manifestations and encourages reflection and discussion on combating Anti-Black Racism in both professional and personal settings. Additionally, the module supports organizations in offering foundational education on Anti-Black Racism, recommending its incorporation as a vital part of ongoing learning and policy development.

100% of the HPA-OHT secretariat have taken this course.

The Sickle Cell Disease Education Program for Healthcare Providers consists of 13 modules, each comprising multiple micro-lessons designed to be completed in under 10 minutes, aimed at offering equitable access to high-quality education to improve the care of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This self-learning program, certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 13 Mainpro+® credits, seeks to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills, and practices to mitigate health inequities and ensure safe, equitable care. Targeted at a broad audience including physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of SCD, its treatment, complications, and the lived experiences of patients, culminating in a certificate of completion for each module.

Learn more

This Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module from Toronto Academic Health Science Network serves as a comprehensive resource for health service providers, learners, staff, and physicians, aiming to deepen their understanding of Anti-Black Racism’s historical roots and its enduring impact in Canada. It offers insights into its various manifestations and encourages reflection and discussion on combating Anti-Black Racism in both professional and personal settings. Additionally, the module supports organizations in offering foundational education on Anti-Black Racism, recommending its incorporation as a vital part of ongoing learning and policy development.

Learn more

The Sickle Cell Disease Education Program for Healthcare Providers consists of 13 modules, each comprising multiple micro-lessons designed to be completed in under 10 minutes, aimed at offering equitable access to high-quality education to improve the care of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This self-learning program, certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 13 Mainpro+® credits, seeks to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge, skills, and practices to mitigate health inequities and ensure safe, equitable care. Targeted at a broad audience including physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of SCD, its treatment, complications, and the lived experiences of patients, culminating in a certificate of completion for each module.

Learn more

2SLGBTQAA+ Inclusion

Access inclusive and affirming resources tailored to support and advocate for the 2SLGBTQAA+ community within healthcare environments.

Offered by Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) and Sherbourne Health, this comprehensive seven-module course is designed for healthcare and social service providers aiming to enhance their care for 2SLGBTQ individuals. Spanning essential topics such as 2SLGBTQ terminology, minority stress, health disparities, and inclusive care practices, each 30-minute module is structured to improve your comfort, competency, and critical thinking in delivering culturally sensitive and affirming care. Accredited for up to 3.5 Mainpro-M1 credits by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, this course promises a deep dive into the nuances of 2SLGBTQ health, guided by insights from an expert-led Online Learning Development Advisory Committee.

A nominal fee of $20 grants access to this pivotal resource, laying the groundwork for more inclusive healthcare practices.

This course from Trans Care BC  is intended to offer basic information for staff working directly or indirectly with gender-diverse clients within health care, mental health, and social work services.

Learn more

Francophone Perspectives

Discover programs and tools that enhance care and services for Francophone communities, ensuring linguistic and cultural sensitivity.

Offered by Ontario Health (West)

Dive into a comprehensive, free online course designed to enhance your expertise in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive care. This opportunity, generously provided by Ontario Health (West), is easily accessible. Simply click on “Register Now” to begin the approval process for access to this invaluable online resource.

Program Overview

The Cultural and Linguistic Sensitive Care Learning Program is a meticulously crafted six-hour course, comprising an introductory segment followed by three informative modules. Each module is laden with a variety of learning materials including case studies, quizzes, videos, reflection prompts, and evaluations, ensuring a rich, interactive educational experience.

Participants are afforded the luxury of progressing through the program at their own pace, providing a flexible learning environment that caters to individual schedules and learning preferences. Upon registration, you will be asked to specify your anticipated completion date, allowing for a personalized learning journey.

Program Modules:
  1. Module 1: Understanding Culture and the Importance of Cultural and Linguistic Sensitive Care
  2. Module 2: Identifying Francophones in Ontario
  3. Module 3: Implementing the Active Offer of French Language Services

In addition to the core modules, the program offers a range of supplementary resources, including printable materials, to enhance your learning experience.

Certification and Credits:

Upon successful completion of all three modules, along with the requisite activities and evaluations, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Moreover, this program qualifies certified members of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CHE / Fellow) for 20 Category II credits towards their Maintenance of Certification requirement, underscoring the program’s value in professional development within the healthcare leadership community.

Learn more here.

This online training program delves into the crucial aspects of effectively providing French language health services. This course is designed for healthcare professionals and students in related fields.

Participants will discuss the significance of actively offering French language health services and explore strategies for enhancing these services in their practice. The program aims to highlight individuals’ role in fostering improvements in the availability and quality of French language health services, ultimately promoting safe, quality, person-centred care.

Register now to gain insights into implementing practical steps towards achieving excellence in service provision to Francophone communities, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all.

Tools and Toolkits

Health Equity Impact Assessment Tool; decision support tool that walks individuals through the steps of identifying how a program, policy or similar initiative will impact population groups in different ways.

View the toolkit here.

D.I.Y Health Equity Toolkit produced by Canadian Association of Mental Health; a guide for those interested in working towards equity within Ontario’s Mental Health System and beyond.

View the toolkit here.

Advancing the Mission: Tools for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; toolkit contains 11 tools that organization can use to achieve change—divided into two categories: Cross-Cutting Tools and Hard-Wire Group (see page 28).

View the toolkit here.

Navigating Race in Canadian Workplaces; a toolkit for diversity and inclusion practitioners to provide them with relevant resources to talk about race and racism in the workplace.

View the toolkit here.

The Embracing Diversity: A Toolkit for Supporting Inclusion in Long-Term Care Homes is an interactive resource with print and online components that gives LTC homes practical steps to nurture diverse and welcoming communities. The toolkit was created by the Ontario CLRI and was informed by the Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Committee and other experts, including persons with lived experience.

View the toolkit here.

Health Equity Toolkit by EQUIP Health Care; specifically, Trauma and Violence Informed Practice Tool.

View the toolkit here.

Grey Bruce Public Health created a Health Equity Tool and corresponding online training videos along with instructions for use.

View the toolkit here.

National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health produced Let’s Talk Health Equity.

View the toolkit here.

Guides, Tips and Policy Documents

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario released the Embracing Cultural Diversity in Health Care: Developing Cultural Competence – a best practices guide for embracing diversity within health care organizations.

View the guide here.

City of Ottawa created an Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook.

View the guide here.

Rainbow Health Ontario, a program of Sherbourne Health, wrote this brief guide in response to the many requests they receive for guidance on incorporating sexual orientation and gender identity into intake forms and EHRs. They understand that making changes to software can be difficult and the ability to make changes depends both on the flexibility of the software program and access to funds.

View the tips here.

In this brief, the Fenway Institute discuss two methods for gathering sexual orientation and gender identity from patients, by asking questions on the patient registration (intake) form, and by requiring that providers gather this information directly from patients during medical visits, recording responses in the electronic medical record.

View the policy brief here.

Action Plans

Health Quality Ontario produced a Health Equity Plan.

View the action plan here.

This strategic document emerges from a collaborative effort involving community members, health leaders, and academics, aimed at confronting the persistent systemic health disparities faced by Black communities in Ontario.

The Black Health Plan articulates a comprehensive approach to reducing health disparities and promoting equity, serving as both a blueprint for action and a source of inspiration for health care providers, organizations, and governing bodies. It is structured around three core pillars: equitable pandemic response, health system recovery focusing on Black populations, and the sustenance of health equity. Each pillar is supported by specific recommendations directed at the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, Ontario Health Teams, and health service providers.

This plan is a call to action, urging the health sector to adopt its recommendations and work towards transforming the health care landscape to ensure safe, equitable care, and improved outcomes for Black communities across Ontario. Developed jointly by Ontario Health, The Wellesley Institute, and the Black Health Alliance, the plan stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort and leadership in the health community.

For more detailed insights and to explore the roadmap laid out by this plan, we encourage our leaders and management to download and review the Black Health Plan. Engaging with this resource is a step forward in our journey towards creating an inclusive health system that serves all populations equitably.