Policy and accountability

Overview

Ontario continues to strengthen its Anti-Racism Strategy by embedding consistency and accountability into policies, programs and service delivery across government. While progress has been made, sustained and coordinated action remains essential to address systemic barriers and reduce racial disparities.

These efforts focus on improving transparency and accountability through data-informed decision-making, community engagement and comprehensive policy development. Initiatives also support modernizing systems, strengthening workforce capacity and expanding access to culturally responsive services across sectors.

Together, these actions aim to ensure government policies and services are more responsive to the needs of racialized communities, supporting continued progress toward a prosperous Ontario.

Identifying and eliminating racial disparities

Strengthening standards and education for teachers

Anti-Black racism professional advisory for teachers

The Anti-Black Racism Professional Advisory, issued by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) in December 2021, provides guidance to Ontario Certified Teachers on addressing anti-Black racism in both classroom and school settings. The advisory supports educators in examining unconscious bias, addressing systemic barriers and long-standing attitudes that impact Black students.

Publicly available through the OCT to all 232,000 Ontario Certified Teachers, the advisory serves as a resource for professional learning and practice. It encourages reflection and provides practical direction for creating supportive learning environments where all students feel respected and valued.

Anti-Black racism additional qualifications for teachers

The Anti-Black Racism (ABR) Additional Qualification (AQ) courses support educators in building knowledge and skills to address anti-Black racism in schools. Available since March 2022, the program offers a three-part learning pathway, allowing teachers to progress from foundational knowledge to a Specialist qualification. The AQ emphasizes an affirmative approach to Black identity and community-based engagement grounded in strength, advocacy and healing.

As of January 2026, 857 teachers completed Part 1, 44 completed Part 2 and 28 achieved the Specialist qualification.

The AQ continues to support professional learning across the education system. By building educator capacity, it contributes to more inclusive classrooms and improved outcomes for Black students.

Additional Qualifications for teachers related to issues faced by Jewish communities

The Additional Qualification (AQ) in Holocaust Education and Countering Antisemitism is designed to help certified teachers build a deeper understanding of Holocaust education, antisemitism and Jewish experiences, and develop the skills needed to identify and address antisemitism and other forms of hate. While open to all teachers, the course is intended to support safer learning environments for communities impacted by antisemitism.

The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) released the AQ course guideline and supporting resources in June 2024.

Resources from organizations such as the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, Liberation75 and Yad Vashem are available to support educator learning and the development of professional learning related to Holocaust education and countering antisemitism.

Regulation 304, school year calendar, professional activity days

Ontario Regulation 304 under the Education Act sets requirements for school year calendars, including mandatory Professional Activity (PA) Days. These days support professional learning and collaboration on provincial education priorities and ensure consistent professional learning across Ontario.

For the 2026 to 2027 school year, the Ministry of Education has established mandatory PA Day learning focused on consistent classroom delivery, new curriculum updates, special education and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

These professional learning opportunities support educators in meeting the diverse strengths, needs and identities of students and contribute to learning environments that are safe, respected and responsive. Through mandatory PA Days, educators strengthen their capacity to support student well-being and reduce barriers to learning.

The ministry will continue to use PA Days to advance consistent, province-wide professional learning, that supports inclusive learning environments for all students.

Ontario Regulation 437/97, professional misconduct

On November 5, 2020, the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) amended its Professional Misconduct regulation (O. Reg. 437/97 PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT | ontario.ca) to add Making remarks or engaging in behaviours that expose any person or class of persons to hatred on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination under Part I of the Human Rights Code as an act of professional misconduct.

Any teacher found to have engaged in this act of professional misconduct is subject to disciplinary measures as outlined in the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996.

The Ontario College of Teachers is responsible for enforcing this regulation, including investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action when necessary. This ensures accountability and reinforces expectations for professional behaviour in the education system.

By clearly defining and addressing discriminatory conduct, the ensures that educators uphold high standards and contribute to classrooms where all students feel safe, supported and able to succeed.

Ontario Regulation 274/12 and implementing PPM 165: school board teacher hiring practices

Policy/Program Memorandum 165 (PPM 165), guides school board teacher hiring practices following the removal of Ontario Regulation 274/12 in October 2020. Introduced in February 2021 and effective March 31, 2021, the policy requires hiring processes to be based on merit, while also responding to the unique needs of school communities and supporting greater diversity in the education workforce.

School boards continue to use PPM 165 to inform hiring decisions. The policy encourages diverse hiring panels that include individuals with relevant knowledge and lived experience, helping ensure decisions better reflect the communities that schools serve, including those that have been historically under-represented.

By supporting more equitable and inclusive hiring practices, PPM 165 contributes to a more diverse educator workforce and helps create learning environments that reflect and support Ontario’s students.

Locally driven population health models

The Locally Driven Population Health Models (LDPHM) program supports community-based approaches to improve health outcomes for underserved populations, including Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities. Since 2020, over $126.3 million has been invested to deliver culturally responsive, barrier-free services and strengthen access to care through partnerships and tailored supports.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the program recorded over 1.8 million community engagement interactions and established 1,830 new partnerships across 10 sectors. More than 101,000 individuals were referred to services, with over 19,000 receiving direct wraparound supports. Referrals included access to primary care, cancer screening and mental health and addiction services. Community Ambassador models, such as those delivered by Punjabi Community Health Services, have strengthened outreach by reducing language and cultural barriers.

The program continues to expand community-based, culturally responsive supports to improve access, early intervention and system navigation.

Development and Promotion of Anti-Racism Resources

The Anti-Racism Impact Assessment (ARIA) is an internal Ontario Public Service framework that helps ministries identify and address potential racial inequities in policies, programs and services. Aligned with the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 (ARA), and the Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of Systemic Racism, ARIA was developed to support the use of race-based data to improve outcomes for Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, particularly in sectors such as education, justice and child welfare. In compliance with the ARA, the approved version from the Lieutenant Governor in Council is forthcoming.

The Anti-Racism Directorate supports implementation through training, tools and tailored guidance. To date, nearly 700 public servants across multiple ministries have participated in ARIA sessions, supported by additional resources including user guides and case examples. A Community of Practice launched in 2024 continues to build capacity and share best practices across government.

ARIA strengthens accountability and supports evidence-based decision-making, with ongoing improvements to enhance its application across ministries.

Engaging with communities and increasing the public awareness of the government’s anti-racism initiatives

Engagement with community partners

The Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity (PCEO) and the Advocate for Community Opportunities (ACO) continue to support engagement with communities and provide advice to government on improving outcomes for diverse populations in Ontario. Their work focuses on key priorities such as workforce development, youth opportunities and economic growth.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the ACO led targeted engagement to strengthen initiatives such as the Black Youth Action Plan. This included 12 community engagement sessions and roundtables with over 50 stakeholders to inform improvements to the Economic Empowerment Program. The ACO also provided advice on multiple initiatives, including justice and health-related supports, and worked with Deputy Ministers to strengthen cross-government coordination.

These efforts continue to advance informed, community-driven policy development across government.

Continuing Ontario’s race-based data collection processes and supporting accountability by assessing the progress of anti-racism efforts and the Anti-Racism Strategy

Implementing race-based data collection in the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 (ARA)-regulated areas and initiatives

The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism continues to advance the implementation of race-based data collection across regulated public sector organizations (PSOs) in the justice, education and child welfare sectors. In accordance with the Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of Systemic Racism (Anti-Racism Data Standards), this work supports a more consistent and transparent approach to collecting, analyzing and publicly reporting data to identify and address systemic racial disparities.

Through ongoing collaboration with PSOs, the ministry is strengthening capacity to use race-based data to inform policies, programs and service delivery.

By embedding race-based data into decision-making processes, Ontario is strengthening accountability and supporting evidence-based actions to reduce barriers and advance racial equity.

Targets and indicators

Ontario continues to monitor progress on race-based data collection through established targets and performance indicators that support transparency and accountability under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017. Regulated public sector organizations (PSOs) are required to report annually on key measures, including compliance and response rates, to track the implementation and effectiveness of data collection practices.

Compliance rates reflect the extent to which organizations, programs or services are actively collecting race-based data, while response rates indicate the proportion of individuals who voluntarily provide this information. These indicators help assess both system uptake and participation.

Together, these measures support ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement, enabling the province and PSOs to better identify disparities, monitor progress and inform evidence-based actions to advance racial equity.

Child welfare sector

Children’s aid societies

In Ontario, the 37^{footnote 1[1]} non-Indigenous Children’s Aid Societies named in O. Reg. 267/18, Schedule 1 under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 are required to collect race-based data per ministerial Policy Directive CW 003-21 from the children and youth they serve. This includes a young person’s Indigenous identity, race, religion, and ethnic origin. The collection of this data is voluntary and based on an informed consent model. In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services conducted engagements with service providers, program clients and community partners on the collection, use and privacy of identity-based data. Recommendations based on this feedback have informed preliminary updates to the ministry’s identity-based data collection framework and ways to enhance representativeness of these data to enable analysis and reporting in transparent, ethical and community-informed ways.

The overall compliance rate for 2025 to 2026 is 100%. As of March 31, 2026, the response rate is 54.58%.

Education sector

The Ministry of Education continues to provide funding supports to school boards, building their capacity to collect, analyze, report on and use voluntary student demographic data.

Under O. Reg. 267/18, school boards are required to collect voluntary race-based data. School boards are expected to analyze data in relation to Student Achievement Plan performance measures, develop and implement action plans to address identified disproportionalities, and monitor progress toward Provincial Priorities for student achievement (O. Reg. 224/23).

The overall compliance rate for all 72 school boards for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year is 100%. As of March 31, 2026, the response rate of students from all 72 Ontario school boards ranges from 5 to 83%.

Justice sector

Bail Process

Under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, the Ministry of the Attorney General is required to collect race-based data, including information on the Indigenous identity, race, religion and ethnic origin of individuals charged with an offence who appear in bail court. Between 2025 to 2026, the ministry continued collecting race-based data through Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) bail clients. Data was collected between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, represents 7.75% of Ontario’s total bail population, with a response rate of 51.16%. The ministry continues to address operational challenges associated with collecting race-based data during the bail process.

Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

The SIU remains committed to collecting accurate and meaningful data through voluntary surveys. This includes the Indigenous identity, race, religion and ethnic origin of an affected person, or subject official (the official or officer who is the subject of an SIU investigation). Electronic surveys remain the primary method of data collection as they are cost-effective, user-friendly and accessible, however paper surveys continue to be available upon request. Affected person surveys have also been made available in Arabic and Punjabi to enhance accessibility.

All new staff involved in race-based data collection receive training during orientation, supported by experienced staff, with role-playing used to strengthen confidence and compassionate delivery. Regular reminders and updates are distributed to staff to promote consistency in data collection practices. The SIU has begun engaging third-party researchers to support future analysis, strengthening the quality, rigour and integrity of its reporting.

The SIU routinely incorporates feedback from affected persons to make practical improvements to ensure findings are relevant, culturally respectful and protected against bias. The overall compliance rate from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, is 99.4% for affected persons. For subject officials over the same period, the compliance rate is 100% in closed cases but 75.1% of all cases as surveys are only sent to subject officials after a case has been closed. As of May 31, 2026, the response rate for affected persons is 16.7% and for subject officials is 4.38%.

Law Enforcement Complaints Agency

During this reporting period, the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) continued enhancing its race-based data collection, analysis and reporting practices in alignment with the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards. This includes collecting required data such as Indigenous identity, race, religion and ethnic origin of members of the public who file complaints to the complaints director.

A key accomplishment was the continued development of LECA’s multi-year Race-Based Data Report (2020–2024), scheduled for public release in Q2 of the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year. The report will establish a baseline for monitoring complaint-handling outcomes and identifying potential disparities across identity groups.

To protect privacy, LECA established a governance and analytical framework that ensures complainants’ identity information is kept separate from the review process. LECA has consulted regularly with the Anti‑Racism Directorate throughout the development and review of the report to ensure alignment with provincial data standards.

Preparatory work is underway for the next iteration of the Race-Based Data Report. The overall compliance rate for 2025 to 2026 is 100%. As of March 31, 2026, the response rate is 85%.

Use of Force, Policing

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is required to collect data provided by police services on individuals involved in use of force incidents. This includes the individual’s race, as perceived by the reporting police officer, and other information set out in the report that police services are legally required to provide to the ministry, excluding the name of the individual.

The ministry released its third technical report and datasets for police use of force on August 29, 2025, on the Ontario Data Catalogue. These machine-readable datasets include approximately 2 million data points.

The technical report replicates all the analyses from previous years and includes new analyses to begin to understand the potential interrelationships between:

• the type of force used by officers
• an officer's perception of the race of the individual
• an officer's perception of whether that individual possessed a weapon.

This is a significant step forward in the sophistication of our analysis, as previous reports included only univariate and bivariate analysis.

Separately, the ministry has been conducting consultations with law enforcement, non-governmental organizations (such as the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ombudsman), and selected community organizations (with a particular focus on Black and Indigenous communities). The ministry also provides an opportunity for public comment on the Ontario Regulatory Registry. Although focused on improving the Use of Force Report form, discussions have also included suggestions from communities on data they would like to collect and analysis they would like to see.

The overall compliance rate for 2025 to 2026 is 100%.

Correctional services

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is required to collect data on the Indigenous identity, race, religion and ethnic origin of a person who is in custody in a correctional institution operated by the ministry or a person who is released on parole, subject to a probation order or a conditional sentence order and subject to supervision by the ministry.

Additionally, the ministry is releasing its second technical report and datasets for correctional services this summer, which will be available on the Ontario Data Catalogue. These machine-readable datasets include over 200,000 data points. As with the previous technical report, the focus is on race and identity-based data as well as use of force upon inmates in adult correctional institutions.

The ministry has been preparing to include race and identity-based data on individuals who were under community supervision (probation and parole). This is an important addition to the ministry's reporting, as there are over 70,000 individuals under community supervision in a given year.

All Ontario adult correctional institutions and all Ontario probation and parole offices are collecting race- and identity-based data from individuals as part of their intake processes. The overall compliance rate is 100% for individuals who were under correctional supervision and were asked for their race- and identity-based data for ARA analysis. Of those who were asked, approximately 64.2% consented and provided their data from October 2020 to March 2026.

Youth justice

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ (MCCSS) Youth Justice Division began standardized collection of identity-based data in March 2018.

The ministry is required to collect the Indigenous identity, race, religion and ethnic origin of a person who is in custody in a correctional institution operated by the ministry or a person who is released on parole, subject to a probation order or a conditional sentence order and subject to supervision by the ministry.

Work is ongoing to further improve collection processes. In 2025, the ministry continued to engage with Indigenous, Black, racialized and other equity-deserving communities to inform analytical approaches and ensure data is used in ethical, and community-informed ways, with an initial review of disproportionality. Engagement and analysis to explore and disparity for priority measures will begin in 2026.

For 2025 to 2026, the overall compliance rate remains at 100%. As of May 20, 2026, the response rate of young person's providing identity-based information is 67%.

Advancing Accountable, Inclusive and Responsive Systems

The following initiatives are not included as part of the official Anti-Racism Strategy. However, in conjunction with the strategy, these initiatives address systemic barriers and strengthen how government services, policies and institutions are designed and delivered.

These efforts focus on improving accountability through data-informed decision-making, community engagement and inclusive policy development. Initiatives also support the development of a more responsive workforce, expand access to culturally appropriate services and strengthen coordination across sectors.

Catalyst Conversations

Catalyst Conversations is a speaker series that launched in December 2024 to build knowledge and strengthen understanding of priority populations across the Ontario Public Service. The initiative focuses on intersectional perspectives, including the experiences of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, newcomers, people with disabilities and those in rural and northern communities.

To date, 4 sessions have been delivered, reaching over 2,000 participants across 25 ministries. Sessions feature thought leaders and experts who share practical insights on applying gender and diversity analysis in policy and program development. The most recent session attracted over 450 participants from 13 ministries.

The initiative continues to support learning and dialogue across government. Additional sessions are planned for 2026 to 2027, with topics including gender-based violence and women’s economic opportunities.

Gender and Diversity Analysis (GDA) Data Dashboard

The GDA Data Dashboard is for internal OPS use only. They are intended to support OPS staff in applying a GDA lens in the earliest phases of policy and program design.

The Gender Equity Division (GED) promotes gender diversity analysis (GDA) across the Ontario Public Service (OPS) to support inclusive policy and program development.

As part of this, GED developed the GDA Data Dashboard, a population-based tool which provides OPS staff with intersectional data on gender, race and socioeconomic status. The Dashboard supports staff in applying a gender-inclusive and intersectional lens to develop more equitable, data-driven policies and programs.

Since the launch of the GDA Data Dashboard in December 2022, it has approximately 68,000 views from OPS staff who have accessed the Dashboard (as of June 30, 2026).

Heritage Framework Transformation

MCM administers Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act, which governs the conservation of resources of archaeological value and establishes the legal framework for heritage conservation, archaeological fieldwork and the licensing of consultant archaeologists in Ontario.

The Heritage Framework Transformation (HFT) initiative aims to introduce changes to archaeology assessments and processes, and information technology systems affecting how cultural heritage resources are identified, assessed, protected and conserved, while supporting housing, mining, infrastructure and economic development projects.

Eighty percent (80%) of archaeological sites in Ontario are of Indigenous interest. The Heritage Policy and Programs Division continues to consult with First Nations on proposals to the heritage framework that would strengthen heritage conservation and improve archaeological processes.

Return of the Ancestors Initiative

The Return of the Ancestors (ROTA) is an Indigenous-led initiative focused on the repatriation of Ancestors and associated burial items in the care of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to their MCM respective Indigenous communities.

Consultations are underway with over 100 First Nation communities, leading to culturally safe repatriations of up to 106 Indigenous Ancestors and associated burial items.

Following consultations with Rainy River First Nations and associated Northern communities, the first reburial of an Indigenous Ancestor took place in June 2026. The Ancestor was returned to the community and reburied at an existing burial mound located within the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung National Historic Site (Long Sault Manitou Mounds) owned and operated by Rainy River First Nations.

Practice Ready Ontario (PRO)

Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) supports experienced internationally educated family physicians in entering practice in Ontario by assessing their readiness to provide care. The program helps accelerate integration into the health care workforce, particularly in communities with high need.

To date, 110 internationally educated family physicians have successfully completed assessments and begun their three-year return-of-service commitments in designated communities, including rural and northern areas. The program is expected to assess up to 150 physicians in fiscal year 2026 to 2027.

By reducing barriers to practice, PRO helps increase access to primary care for patients in underserved areas. It supports faster entry into the workforce for qualified physicians while helping address local health care needs across the province.

Recognition of Education Credentials of Internationally Educated Nurses

This initiative removes barriers for internationally educated nurses by streamlining the registration process with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Applicants with recognized credentials — registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree and registered practical nurses with a diploma — can now meet education requirements without additional assessment if their program is approved in its jurisdiction.

This change allows qualified applicants to register and begin working in the province faster. It is expected to reduce registration timelines by several months and save applicants up to $7,500 each in costs.

To support safe practice, all internationally educated nurses will take a course to ensure they successfully transition into the Ontario health care system.

By simplifying and standardizing the assessment process, the initiative supports equitable access to the profession while ensuring nurses meet required standards. It also helps address workforce needs and improve access to health care services for Ontarians.

Ontario Nurse Practitioner Education Consortium (ONPEC) [formerly known as Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) Program]

The Ontario Nurse Practitioner Education Consortium supports the expansion of nurse practitioner education as part of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan. The initiative provides additional funding to increase student admissions, with up to 170 new seats planned from 2026 to 2029.

The program focuses on curriculum modernization, improving access for rural and remote learners and strengthening Indigenous health outcomes. It also promotes culturally safe care and collaboration between Francophone and Anglophone institutions. Work is underway with Indigenous health leaders to integrate relevant health priorities into program content.

The first cohort of students began in January 2026, with additional cohorts planned. This initiative supports the development of a practice-ready workforce to meet Ontario’s evolving primary care needs.

Primary Care Upskilling Program for Registered Nurses

As part of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan, the Ministry of Health is funding 4 nursing schools to deliver upskilling programs that promote the development of primary care nursing competencies and skills among Registered Nurses (RNs). These programs launched in fiscal year 2025 to 2026 and will continue in 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028. Participation is estimated at over 1,400 RNs in total.

All 4 nursing schools have committed to including in their curriculums Indigenous health, cultural safety, decolonizing care practices, Indigenous ways of knowing and Indigenous-led curriculum development through partnerships with Indigenous faculty, Knowledge Keepers, health leaders and community organizations. One of the participating schools will also deliver a French-language version of the program starting in the 2026 to 2027 year.

The Primary Care Upskilling Programs for RNs will strengthen primary care nursing workforce capacity and improve access to culturally appropriate care for Indigenous and Francophone Ontarians.

Promoting health equity through implementation of Ontario Health Teams (OHT)

Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are advancing efforts to reduce health disparities and improve access to care for priority populations, including Indigenous, Francophone and other underserved groups. The model promotes coordinated, community-based care and strengthens partnerships with Indigenous and Francophone organizations to support inclusive service planning and delivery.

OHTs have focused on improving access to primary care by identifying local gaps and implementing targeted strategies to connect more people to care. This includes supported attachment models that help link patients to family doctors, nurse practitioners and primary care teams. Significant progress has been made in connecting individuals on the Health Care Connect waitlist. More than 230,000 people on the January 1, 2025, Health Care Connect waitlist have been cleared, with continued efforts toward full clearance.

OHTs will continue expanding local initiatives to improve access and coordination, supporting more equitable primary care across Ontario.

Home Care in the North

Efforts to transform home care includes approaches to improve equitable access to home and community care in Northern Ontario. Initial planning is underway, with stakeholder consultations led in summer 2025 informing the development of 19 recommendations.

Efforts will focus on enabling locally driven solutions to address unique regional challenges in both the North-East and North-West, Including the needs of Indigenous, Francophone and other underserved communities. The Ministry of Health is working with Ontario Health at Home and partners to identify priorities for implementation. As planning advances, the initiative will support more connected and accessible home care services for people living in Northern Ontario.

Black Health Action Plan — Health Promotion and Wellness Clinics

This initiative supports the delivery of Health Promotion and Wellness Clinics to reduce health disparities and improve access to care for Black populations in high-density communities. Clinics provide culturally responsive services, including chronic disease screening and prevention, integrated primary care and connections to health and social supports.

In Q1 and Q2 of fiscal year 2025 to 2026, nearly 3,000 clients were served through 3,981 interactions delivered by 35 clinic sites. Client feedback shows strong outcomes, with 97% reporting services were helpful and 99% indicating that care was culturally responsive and free from discrimination.

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the Health Promotion and Wellness Clinics improve health outcomes and reduce long-term system pressures. Ongoing implementation continues to expand access to culturally responsive care and strengthen health outcomes for Black communities.

Black Health Action Plan — Culturally Responsive Prevention Models

This initiative expands access to preventative health services to address health disparities and improve outcomes for Black populations across Ontario. Delivered through 9 Culturally Responsive Prevention Models, the program focuses on barrier-free, community-informed care that improves access to services, patient experience and health outcomes.

In Q1 and Q2 of fiscal year 2025 to 2026, over 1,500 unique clients were served through 29,681 interactions. Client feedback indicates strong results, with 97% reporting services were helpful (a 7% increase from the previous year) and 96% reporting that services were culturally responsive and non-discriminating.

Black Health Action Plan — Integrated Black Health and Social Services Hub in Peel

This initiative supports the delivery of integrated, culturally responsive care for Black communities in Peel Region by providing primary care, mental health services and social supports in one coordinated model. The Hub was designed through extensive community engagement, ensuring programs and services reflect local needs and priorities.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the Hub recorded 8,568 service provider interactions, supporting 1,312 clients and connecting 280 individuals to a primary care provider. The Hub also delivered 47 primary care and social services group sessions with over 1,100 participants.

By providing barrier-free access to services, the initiative improves care coordination and supports better health outcomes. A new permanent location in Brampton will serve as a central hub, expanding access and strengthening delivery of integrated care across the region.

Black Health Action Plan — Mental Health Supports for Black Adults (18+)

This initiative provides culturally responsive mental health supports for Black adults, focusing on improving equitable access to care through therapies and non-crisis emergency services. It addresses multiple aspects of mental health using community-based approaches that reflect the needs and experiences of Black populations.

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, over 600 clients were served across approximately 1,600 visits. Funding supports clinical services and non-police-led interventions that are delivered in partnership with community organizations and prioritize culturally appropriate care.

By emphasizing early intervention and upstream support models, the initiative helps improve mental health outcomes and reduce reliance on emergency and acute care services. It also supports more accessible, locally informed and culturally responsive care across communities.

Primary Care for Refugees

This initiative provides primary and preventive health care services to refugees and asylum claimants to reduce adverse health and social outcomes. Services include chronic and infectious disease screening, mental health supports, and connections to health and social services, helping improve access to care for newcomer populations.

In 2025, approximately 12,000 individuals were supported. Services were delivered in multiple languages to improve accessibility, with offerings expanding from over 40 languages in April to approximately 60 languages in December.

The program complements broader primary care efforts by improving access and supporting culturally safe care. By addressing health needs early and connecting clients to ongoing services, the initiative helps improve outcomes and reduce pressures on emergency departments.

Mobile Maternal Care

The Mobile Maternal Care program improves access to culturally safe prenatal, perinatal and postnatal services for underserved communities, including Indigenous, Black and other racialized women. The program provides mobile and community-based care, including midwifery and diagnostic services to reduce barriers for those with limited access to care.

In 2024 to 2025, approximately 634 clients received ultrasound services and 604 accessed examinations, while 75 mobile clinics delivered services in rural and remote communities. Outreach efforts also supported over 500 community members through engagement and awareness activities.

By bringing care closer to home, the program supports timely diagnosis and intervention and improves access for individuals facing complex barriers. Ongoing expansion efforts will focus on increasing capacity, strengthening service delivery and improving access to maternal care across underserved communities.

Enhancing Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous voices in policy and program design — Urban Indigenous Health Table

The Urban Indigenous Health Table provides a forum for urban Indigenous organizations to directly advise the Ministry of Health and its partners on policy and program development. The Table supports improved system planning by ensuring Indigenous perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.

Recent progress includes the renewal of the Terms of Reference and the development of a comprehensive strategic workplan through joint planning sessions with partners. This workplan identifies key priorities, including addressing anti-Indigenous racism, advancing public health, improving services for older adults and strengthening engagement with ministry partners.

Through strengthened governance, coordination and collaboration, the initiative is improving planning and service delivery for urban Indigenous communities. Ongoing work will continue to advance culturally competent services, reduce barriers to care and enhance health system responsiveness for Indigenous people living in urban and rural communities province-wide.

Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations

The Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations (IPHCOs) are Indigenous-led team-based organizations that promote high quality care through the Model of Wholistic Health and Wellbeing. The model is rooted in a population needs-based approach to health care planning and delivery for the Indigenous population. It incorporates physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements of wellbeing, with all elements operating in harmony.

Moving forward from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the development and introduction of the IPHCO model takes steps forward in ongoing efforts to reconcile the past and establishing trust in our health care system, ensuring access to high quality, equitable health care.

There are 28 Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations (IPHCOs) across Ontario to address the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and communities. IPHCOs serve over 133,000 patients and are supported by an investment of over $158 million in fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

The Ministry of Health continues to fund new teams through the Primary Care Action Plan (PCAP), launched January 27, 2025. In 2025–26, two new IPHCO recipients — Keewaytinook Okimakanak and Noongwa Gamig — joined the program, alongside continued expansion funding for 11 existing IPHCOs.