These letters can be found in our 2020/21 Annual Report, released in September 2021.
The College’s mandate is to regulate midwifery in the public interest. To do so effectively, we must commit ourselves to eradicating racism as it intersects with our sector.
From the professional barriers facing racialized midwives in Ontario, to the inequities experienced by Indigenous, Black, and racialized clients, there are many ongoing harms that both health regulators and midwives must be mindful of as we proceed in this work.
In drafting our strategic plan this year, the College made a critical addition to our guiding principles—we’ve included equity as a core consideration. How we actively demonstrate our commitment to equity will now serve as a key metric when we evaluate our ability to deliver on our mission.
2020/2021 also saw the College take important steps with anti-racist education and training for staff, improvements to our HR processes, and exciting new sector partnerships to build upon our shared capacity to create change.
Looking to the future, the College will continue to report on our progress as we proactively identify and remove inequities present in our work. We are committed to being accountable as we proceed, and to partner with others so that we may collectively advocate for change.
This work is not about checking the boxes, or fixing a single problem—it is the long and challenging process of becoming advocates for social equity and justice.
Whether you are a midwife, a regulator, or a member of the public, I hope that you too see a role for yourself within this work. The College welcomes your participation—and your feedback.
Please reach out should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Building an equitable healthcare system will truly require all of us.
It has been a challenging year on so many levels.
I wish to share my thanks and admiration to everyone who practised midwifery, instructed students, or otherwise supported the profession and the public during 2020/21. In a tumultuous time, you’ve provided care and support to thousands.
I am similarly proud of the College’s staff, Council, and committees, who rose to the challenge and delivered on our mission. You’ll read about how we shifted strategies to provide accessible services to midwives and the public throughout this report.
Despite the many hardships of the past twelve months, I’m ending this year with feelings of optimism. Seeing midwives and clients do their part to protect one another and prevent the spread of COVID-19 bolstered my faith that we will eradicate this virus.
Likewise, I am so pleased to see a marked increase in engagement and enthusiasm from midwives in the College’s activities. Whether they ran for College Council, voted in elections, or shared their feedback with us through surveys, their contributions will surely strengthen the work that we do.
This year, the College’s Council approved an ambitious strategic plan that will drive our work through 2026. I am confident its activities will enhance the capacity of midwives to provide safe and effective care, and will foster greater trust between the public and the profession.
Also included in our Annual Report is an in-depth performance analysis of our impact in four key areas. Through qualitative and quantitative data, we will continually use our new Performance Measurement Framework to chart our successes and identify opportunities for improvement.
The College, Council, and committees will apply the lessons that we’ve learned over this most arduous year. I have no doubt that by working together, we will continue to swiftly adapt to whatever the future holds.