Inclusion, Diversity & Equity

Our Commitment

As an organization that serves the diverse communities of Durham Region, Lakeridge Health is committed to fostering an environment that promotes inclusion, diversity, and equity.

We know that it is only through acknowledging the existence of systemic inequities and the proactive effort to dismantle unjust barriers within health-care institutions that we will be able to develop real solutions that will make a difference to staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, and the community we serve.

We have taken a number of important steps to accelerate this work, including:

Gathering data to identify system inequities at Lakeridge Health through various internal engagements, such as an organization-wide survey, one-on-one conversations, an online anonymous forum, and virtual focus groups. A report was developed with recommendations that we continue to put into action.
Creating Communities of Inclusion for historically disadvantaged communities to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with Lakeridge Health’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan. Members can use the space for learning, advocacy, increased employee engagement, and population health discussions.
Developing a Smudge Ceremony policy that respects the spiritual and cultural practices of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous patients and their family members/ partners-in-care.
Recognizing and acknowledging dates of significance throughout the year, such as Black History Month, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Lunar New Year, Nowruz (Persian New Year), Ramadan, Passover, Holi, and much more.
Helping team members come together to acknowledge societal injustices.

In addition, as part of our commitment to continuous learning, we are pleased to share this dedicated web page with resources and information.

Quick Links to Resources

Digital Resources

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 2020: Connection
Ted Talks: How Racism Makes Us Sick David R. Williams

The Cold Hard Truth of Privilege States of Change

Black Health Matters: Responding to COVID-19 Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Learning Toolkits/Interactive Resources

Ontario Human Rights Commission: Call it out: racism, racial discrimination and human rights
- A 30-minute interactive eCourse that offers a foundation for learning about race, racial discrimination and human rights protections under Ontario's Human Rights Code.

Navigating Race in Canadian Workplaces
- A toolkit for diversity and inclusion practitioners
- Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Human Library: Everyone has a Story to Share
- A Human Library is a way for people to reach out and connect with individuals in their community that they might not normally engage with. Visitors to a library have an opportunity during a planned event to borrow Human Books and to engage in conversation with the books. Developed by the Ontario Library Association.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- We acknowledge and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action to advance Canada through the process of reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous Peoples. The Call to Action “Health” section envisions improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. May the partnerships with First Nation, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities help us work together to provide the best health system for all.

Ontario Health’s (Cancer Care Ontario) Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Safety Course
- A series of free online courses to help individuals working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The courses support a call to action made in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report. These 13 courses provide knowledge about the history and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities.
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. This course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective, highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Readings

Racism in Ontario and Canada

Colour of Poverty – Colour of Change Fact Sheets
Colour of Change Tools & Resources Collection of fact sheets, tools and resources unpacking the intersections of poverty and race in Canada
11 Terms You Should Know to Better Understand Structural Racism Aspen Institute
Dominant Cultural Narratives, Racism, and Resistance in the Workplace: A Study of the Experiences of Young Black Canadians By Julian Hasford
Racism in Canada is ever-present, but we have a long history of denial By Maija Kappler
We Are All Treaty Peoples – A Framework for Understanding and Good Relations Going Forward Colour of Change
Canada's history with Indigenous people is cruel and unfair, but we need to own up to it Kerry Benjoe
Interrupted childhoods: Over-representation of Indigenous and Black children in Ontario child welfare Ontario Human Rights Commission
Five charts that show what systemic racism looks like in Canada

Racism and Health

COVID-19 Indigenous Resources at Lakeridge Health
Indigenous Navigator at Lakeridge Health
Statement from Black Health Leaders on COVID-19’s impact on Black Communities in Ontario Alliance for Healthier Communities

Black Lives Matter: A Commentary on Racism and Public Health Jennifer Jee-Lyn Garcia and Mienah Zulfacar Sharif
Health Equity Considerations and Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronavirus is not the 'great equalizer' – race matters: U of T expert

Resources specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People and People of Colour)

5 Black Mental Health Resources to Fight the Harmful Effects of Racism By Taylyn Washington-Harmon

This BLM Meditation Can Help People Cope With The Tiring Cycle Of Oppression By Zahara Hill

For White Allies

For our White Friends Desiring to be Allies By Courtney Ariel

What White Colleagues Need to Understand By Clarice Brazas and Charlie McGeehan

Confronting racism is not about the needs and feelings of white people By Ijeoma Oluo

· Ontario Health’s (Cancer Care Ontario) Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Safety Course

o A series of free online courses to help individuals working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The courses support a call to action made in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report. These 13 courses provide knowledge about the history and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities.