Health and Racial Equity Denouncing Acts and Symbols of Hate (Motion #08-22)

Moved by Lapierre – Myre

Approved by Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, February 17, 2022

WHEREAS the reduction of health inequities is a goal of Ontario’s public health programs and services as set out in the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS), health equity is a Foundational Standard of the OPHS, and programs and services must be implemented in accordance with the Health Equity Guideline which includes the requirement to apply anti‑racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe approaches to public health practice; and

WHEREAS the Vision of the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Healthier communities for all, is further guided by its Mission and Strategic Plan, both of which prioritize action in support of health equity; and

WHEREAS the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts is a leader among Ontario local public health agencies in their longstanding commitment to health and racial equity, including notably, the September 2019 endorsement of the Racial Equity Action Framework for Improved Health Equity; and

WHEREAS recent events in Ontario have included public displays of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination, all detrimental to optimal health for all and prompting the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) on January 31, 2022, to issue the following statement:

While the right to protest is a fundamental element of our democracy, OPHA is disturbed by the hate filled racist and white supremacist symbols and messages flowing from the demonstrations in Ottawa. We denounce all forms of hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and discrimination. Acts and symbols of hate are unwelcome and should not be tolerated. Silence is not acceptable. We urge political leaders from all levels & parties to speak out against such hate and racism, and to promote the importance of vaccines and other public health measures that are protecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable, against illness, hospitalization, & death. Change can only happen when we stand up and speak out. Let’s work together to build a society that values diversity, inclusion, and optimal health for all.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts endorse the January 31, 2022, statement of the OPHA; and

FURTHER THAT the Board of Health encourage other Ontario boards of health and the Association of Local Public Health Agencies to do the same; and

FURTHER THAT that this resolution be shared with all boards of health, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, area Honorable Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament, the Ontario Public Health Association, the Association Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), among other stakeholders.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED

This item was last modified on March 4, 2022