Read about our actions to build a health system that is anti-racist and inclusive.
At PHSA, we are working to build a health system that is fair, safe and welcoming to everyone. We are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in everything we do.
We are also working toward Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Our
executive team and
Board of Directors are focused on creating respectful spaces for all and leading with fairness and inclusion.
We know this work will take time, and we know we must listen to the people most affected by unfair systems. They will let us know when we are getting it right. But we have already started making progress – read about our actions below.
- We are helping patients, clients and their families get
equitable access to health care with services like interpreters, translation, and support for people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing.
- We help people who have concerns about their care through our
Patient Care Quality Office.
- We are working on ways for people to report issues or barriers to care, so we can remove them and make services more welcoming.
- Our PHSA and program websites aim to meet
international accessibility standards, making them easier to use, including for people who use assistive technology or don’t have fast internet.
- We partnered with Simon Fraser University to create the
Equity in Healthcare Micro-Certificate. This program is being tested now and will open to the public in fall 2025.
- We hold public events with health care and university leaders to help people learn and inspire change. You can watch past events:
- Sign up for our next event:
- By welcoming different voices and perspectives into our workplace, we can provide programs and services that better meet the health care needs of people living in British Columbia. It’s important that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
- Everyone deserves a respectful, inclusive and culturally safe environment. We do not allow racism, discrimination, bullying, harassment or any disrespectful behaviour. We follow key policies to support this, including:
- We are improving how we post jobs, hire, retain and promote staff to make sure our systems are fair, culturally safe and accessible to all.
- We encourage a workplace where people can speak up safely if they face or witness racism, bullying or discrimination through our
Safe Reporting Office. Our Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience team (Sanya’k̓ula) supports
staff who face or witness Indigenous-specific racism (accessible to staff only).
- We offer training for all PHSA staff—online, in person or at their own pace. Topics include anti-racism in the workplace,
Indigenous cultural safety,
gender diversity and
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (accessible to PHSA staff only).
We are holding ourselves and each other responsible as we work to become an anti-racist, inclusive organization. With respect, care and humility, we are moving forward together.
