April 6, 2022 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes that systemic racism, resulting from long-standing oppressive and discriminatory practices, remains embedded in Canada’s health systems. Systemic racism within health systems is a significant contributor to poorer health outcomes for Indigenous peoples, and for racialized and marginalized populations. It has led to widespread health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Canada.

Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced the launch of a Call for Proposals for projects under the Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada’s Health System Program, a new program aimed at combating racism and discrimination with a view to improving equitable access to health services for racialized and marginalized populations. Supported by $13 million in funding, this Call for Proposals is focused on projects to support Indigenous peoples through:

• cultural safety and humility training,
• curriculum and/or accreditation requirements for health services providers, and
• integrating culturally safe care in acute care settings and  traditional approaches to health.

Health Canada’s Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada’s Health System Program was announced as part of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. The Program also supports broader federal efforts including Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.

Making meaningful progress towards eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health systems will require action at all levels. The Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous communities and organizations, provincial/territorial governments, health systems partners, and educational institutions, to develop long-term solutions.