Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: a Message from the Executive Director and Governing Council Chair of PCMCH
The achievement of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within Ontario’s perinatal and child health system is a high priority for PCMCH. PCMCH has a strong commitment to addressing EDI, not only within PCMCH, but also in how care is provided in the perinatal and child health system.
Ontario is home to individuals from many diverse groups. According to the 2016 census, Ontario has the largest Indigenous population (374,395) in Canada and 3.9 million Ontarians self-identified as a visible minority. In addition, there is remarkable diversity in gender identification, geographic location, language, culture and lived experience across Ontario.
It is essential to ensure diverse perspectives from across Ontario are considered when we look at how to improve the perinatal and child health system. What may feel like a good care experience to one person may be experienced very differently by another person, based on many different factors. Respecting the unique context, perspective and lived reality of each individual is immensely important in our EDI activities. We are working to ensure processes are put in place that foster active engagement and input so that PCMCH’s work is reflective of the diversity of the population and the diverse needs of Ontarians.
Our work is ongoing, with full recognition that meaningful change comes from a sustained long-term focus on addressing health equity and valuing diversity. We invite you to learn more about our work. We are committed to reporting on our progress and invite you to connect with us to share your experience, learn about and partner in the important work of advancing health equity in Ontario.
Sanober Diaz
Executive Director, PCMCH
Bruce Squires
Governing Council Chair, PCMCH