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OnACBS Equity Statement

As our members are primarily located in land that is now called Ontario, we begin by acknowledging that we live and carry out our personal and professional activities on lands that have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. As settlers and newcomers to these lands, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here and express our thanks to the generations who have stewarded and cared for these lands and resources for thousands of years.

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We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic and ongoing connections to this land. We also recognize the contributions of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous Peoples who have shaped and strengthened our communities, our province, and our country as a whole.

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As settlers and newcomers, we must link this recognition of Indigenous Peoples' contributions and history to our commitment to making Truth and Reconciliation a reality in our communities.

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Furthermore, we acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic racism, which mean Indigenous Peoples are more likely than others to experience persistent poverty, food insecurity, and barriers to housing and education—factors that contribute to chronic health issues. These concerns were highlighted in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on the lasting legacy of Canada's residential schools, with 8 of the 94 calls to action specifically addressing the need for wide-ranging transformations in health care. It is our duty to understand the legacy of colonization on the social determinants of Indigenous health as we strive to serve our communities.

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Our hope is that reflecting honestly on the past and our challenges in the present will promote healing and bring meaningful change to healthcare and the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and medical institutions.

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In line with this hope, we believe in taking committed actions to be strong allies to the original caretakers of this land. This equity statement, to be followed by an equity plan in 2025, is a key part of that commitment:

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We believe that equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism are about building an organizational culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals and reflects the diversity of the Canadian population. Equity means treating everyone fairly, acknowledging the different historical contexts and challenges that have impacted our communities, and ensuring that everyone has access to rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. Diversity includes the range of experiences, conditions, and expressions of different individuals, encompassing the unique qualities we all possess. Inclusion is about creating an environment where all individuals are respected, differences are welcomed, and equal opportunities are accessible to all. We are committed to actively addressing and dismantling racism and other forms of discrimination within our organization and broader society.

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We value equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism because every person deserves equal treatment, and diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthen us. Creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization requires collaboration and allies from those in positions of privilege who support marginalized people.

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Our goal is to foster a diverse and inclusive environment by engaging all members to actively remove barriers faced by equity-seeking groups. We will create, support, and maintain a learning, research, and work environment that is free from discrimination, racism, and intimidation. We will continuously address challenges faced by equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to race, sex, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic status. In the spirit of reconciliation, we will also work to build and enhance relationships with Indigenous communities.

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We will maintain at least one Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism position on our board (and, accordingly, a subcommittee) focused on these commitments to ensure we are welcoming in all of our practices for members of equity-seeking groups and their allies. We will actively recognize, develop, and promote initiatives that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in our activities and practices. Our efforts will be guided by data and evidence-based approaches proven to remove barriers to inclusion.

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We will provide allyship, mentorship, and sponsorship to ensure that all members of our organization are treated fairly, ethically, and supported in their journey toward success.

 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this statement, please do not hesitate to email us at acbsontario@gmail.com.

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