Racism in Health Care

The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is committed to addressing the urgent issue of racism and discrimination within the nursing profession.

Spurred by the global outcry against racial injustice in 2020, CNA initiated a comprehensive research project to uncover the extent of the problem and develop strategies for change. CNA is now pleased to receive and share the findings of the first of three phases of the research project, Tackling Racism and Discrimination in Nursing in Canada. This groundbreaking study is the first step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable nursing workforce in Canada.

Want to learn more about racism and discrimination in health care? Download our comprehensive report now and discover how we can work together to build a more just and equitable system.

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Race is an important determinant of health, with racism contributing to longstanding health and social inequities. Racism in health care and nursing is a systemic problem, leading to discrimination and health disparities. These issues need to be tackled aggressively at all levels.

In 2020, CNA committed to actively confronting racism and dismantling oppressive systems that have created inequities within nursing and broader society. CNA is committed to organizational change through a comprehensive review of our policies and procedures, increased investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and ongoing education and training to address systemic racism.

CNA resources

• Nursing Declaration Against Anti-Black Racism in Nursing and Health Care
• Nursing Declaration Against Anti-Indigenous Racism in Nursing and Health Care
• CNA’s Key Messages on Anti-Black Racism in Nursing and Health

Advocacy

• CNA’s 2021 federal election platform advocated for key investments for Indigenous communities and the health-care workforce focused on promoting cultural competency and increasing diversity.
• Pre-Budget Consultation in Advance of the 2022 Federal Budget: CNA recommended strategies to support education and training of health-care workers to support Black, Indigenous and people of colour in pursuing nursing education.
• Joint letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with recommendations for Canada’s long-term recovery and the speech from the throne (September 2020): CNA advocated for strengthening Canada’s anti-racism strategy and called for enhancing race- and ethnicity-based data collection.

News releases

• Anti-Black racism is a public health emergency in Canada (June 2020)
• Joint statement from CNA & CINA on the treatment of an Indigenous woman by nurses in Joliette, Quebec (September 2020)