Note: This article first appeared in the Spring 2021 edition of our On Call newsletter. Click here to read the full issue.
Through the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen existing inequities in our province widen and deepen. The College’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion has remained steadfast and I would like to share a few updates from our work with you.
I continue to sit on the Health Profession Regulators of Ontario Anti-BIPOC Racism Committee which was created to support active commitment of all 26 member organizations to identify systemic racism and implement tangible and coordinated actions to eradicate racism against people who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and build a culture, systems, and practices that allow diversity, equity, and inclusion to thrive. The committee meets regularly and has recently hired Dr. Javeed Sukhera, psychiatrist and expert in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging to assist in meeting the committee’s objectives.
In the past few months, all College staff undertook group training where we explored key concepts and principles of oppression and anti-oppression including diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, racism, anti-Black racism, and privilege. These sessions laid a foundation of understanding to inform the ongoing work of organizational anti-oppression and systemic change. This training was highly valuable and I appreciated the learning opportunities it provided. We will seek to use this training in all aspects of our work going forward.
While creating our new strategic plan for 2021-2026, the College made an important change to our guiding principles as a regulator. While we remain committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, integrity, proportionality, and innovation, this year we added the principle of equity. Our new guiding principle will ensure that the pursuit of equity is built into all the work we do. You can read more about our new strategic plan here.
In the past month, the College put out a call for nominations for Council Election, particularly encouraging midwives from Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, marginalized communities, rural communities, as well as midwives who are internationally educated, or practising in expanded, collaborative and/or community health team models to run for election. Council Chair Claire Ramlogan-Salanga and the College’s Council Coordinator Zahra Grant held a webinar specifically for Black, Indigenous, and racialized midwives to ask questions about the College’s Council.
I will continue to update you on the College’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and would be happy to hear from you about how we could be doing better. Please don’t hesitate to email me at cmo@cmo.on.ca at any time.
Regards,
Kelly Dobbin
Registrar & CEO
College of Midwives of Ontario