Canadian Medical Association (CMA), Code of Ethics and Professionalism:

https://policybase.cma.ca/viewer?file=%2Fmedia%2FPolicyPDF%2FPD27-01.pdf#page=1

In mid-September the CMA released their revised Code of Ethics and Professionalism.

This is important for physicians of course, but the implications of this document are far broader.  The accompanying document: 2026 Update to the CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism: https://policybase.cma.ca/viewer?file=%2Fmedia%2FPolicyPDF%2FPD27-01S.pdf#page=1

provides background and context.  The updated Code is part of the CMA’s “commitment to reconciliation and to addressing discrimination and racism in health care.” (p4) The changes are intended to:

• Address racism and discrimination in the commitment to respect for persons
• Introduce improving health outcomes for groups who have been underserved or treated unfairly
• Strengthen the language against discrimination and racism
• Add guidance that patients should not be treated differently based on life circumstances that can cause stigma
• Call on physicians to respect Indigenous worldviews, medicine and healing practices
• Introduce the concepts of cultural safety, trauma-informed care and equitable care (p.5.)
• Identify discrimination and racism as structural determinants of health (p6)

The Update document goes on to describe the duty to actively (emphasis added) address discrimination and racism.  It is no longer enough to say “I am not racist” what is required is intentional., active, pursuit of culturally safe, trauma-informed and equitable care to all, including historically underserved and excluded populations who are at risk of not attaining equitable health outcomes without it. (p12)

This is the requirement for physicians, but it leaves an open question about how organizations are seeking to pursue the same objectives.  Health Equity Impact Assessments:  help identify unintended potential health impacts of a policy, program or initiative on vulnerable or marginalized populations. By identifying these impacts, you can make recommendations or decisions that mitigate negative and maximize positive impacts. 

https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/professionals–projects/heia/heia-tool

Does your organization use tools like these?