The OPHA Anti-Racism Task Group was formed in June 2020 in response to timely conversations about anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism following police violence across North America involving George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, Rodney Levi, Chantel Moore, and countless others. While systemic racism is typically framed as an American problem, the Task Group was created to highlight the pervasiveness of racism, particularly anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism, in the Canadian context.
Racism and anti-Indigenous racism are public health issues that require action through education, capacity building, and advocacy within and beyond the public health sector. Systemic racism and anti-Indigenous racism are embedded within all aspects of our society, including healthcare, education, employment, housing, and the law. They are manifested in the inequitable barriers that racialized and Indigenous peoples face in all of these sectors. In addition, racism and anti-Indigenous racism are social determinants of health that produce higher rates of chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, and earlier death for those who experience them.
Accomplishments
- May 2022: Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan Survey Submission
- May 2021: Anti-Racism Task Group Action Plan
- April 2021: Webinar: “Translating Anti-Racism Knowledge from Theory to Public Health Practice”
- November 2020: OPHA ‘Make It Better’ Campaign consultation: highlighting the link between climate change, racial justice, and social justice
- October 2020: OPHA Resolution Paper on Anti-Racism
- September 2020: OPHA Anti-Racism Statement and Call to Action
- September 2020: Letter to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General in response to the hiring of 200 new Ontario Provincial Police Officers
- June 2020: Creation of ‘Tips for Protesting During COVID-19’ infographic
- June 2020: Submission in support of the Toronto City Council motion to defund Toronto Police Services by 10%
The Anti-Racism Task Group is now integrated with our Health Equity Workgroup and remains a priority. If you would like to join the HEWG or find out more, please email membership@opha.on.ca.
