We value your input!

RCHS values ideas from all teams and communities, working together to meet everyone's needs. Do you have an idea for our 'IDEAA' committee? We would love to hear from you, our clients and community members, and to get your perspectives on how RCHS can be more inclusive, diverse, fair, and supportive to those we serve.

Please take a few moments to provide your insight and perspectives by completing our survey. Click here to access the survey.

Please click here to see our poster on IDEAA - Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression, as well as Advocacy.

IDEAA Framework

We are excited to share Rideau Community Health Services’ first Inclusivity, Equity, Diversity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression (IDEAA) Framework The IDEAA framework will continue to guide our organization’s work to advance IDEAA for our clients, families, caregivers, and communities.

Click here to read RCHS' IDEAA Framework

Our Shared Understanding

RCHS recognizes that there is systemically rooted power and privilege assigned to dominant groups in our society based on their gender, sexual orientation, race, economic status, language, ability, religious preferences, age, size, and ability. As a result, we know that systemic oppression is affecting many of our clients and employees. This harm is perpetuated through barriers across social systems including education, employment, housing, social services, and within our own health care system. 

RCHS acknowledges that differences in health outcomes can be traced to unequal economic and social conditions that are systemic and structural. These inequities are also influenced by systemic racism and oppression of cultural, religious, sexual and gender minorities.

RCHS also recognizes that our employees may face barriers to equitable access benefits taken for granted by the privileged majority. This includes safe and inclusive workspaces, opportunities to have their ideas heard and advanced, promotions, and other job opportunities.

Statement of Principles

  • Diversity makes our community stronger.
  • We ensure our voice and actions speak to social justice, human rights, and health equity.
  • Each person in their uniqueness can experience a sense of belonging and acceptance in the community. To this end, all racist and oppressive behaviour must be challenged directly and respectfully as they arise.
  • Many health disparities are rooted in fundamental social structural inequalities, which are inextricably related to racism and other forms of discrimination in society.
  • Power and privilege are part of the social structures in which we all participate, and we are all at times advantaged or disadvantaged by these power imbalances.
  • Oppression is manifested in racism, sexism, homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, ageism, ableism, and other forms of social exclusion.
  • Oppression is pervasive, restricting, hierarchical, and dominant.
  • Every person in Ontario has a right to be free from racial discrimination and harassment in the social areas of employment, services, goods, facilities, housing accommodation, contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations.

RCHS Statement on Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression (IDEAA)

RCHS is committed to championing inclusivity, diversity, equity, anti-racism & anti-oppression, as well as accessibility in our learning, work, and service environments by:

  1. Challenging all racist and oppressive behaviour directly and respectfully;
  2. Valuing the inherent worth of every person including age, ancestry, disability, gender expression, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and all our differences;
  3. Committing to recognition of rights, respect, trust, co-operation, and partnership with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous peoples as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
  4. Believing that our differences enrich our ability to develop creative and innovative approaches to deliver exemplary client care, research, and education; and,
  5. Recognizing that the responsibility to create an inclusive culture rest with each of us where we are personally responsible to hold ourselves and each other accountable.

Board Governance

Rideau Community Health Services (RCHS) is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff and volunteers feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other lived experience.

We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board and leadership; and we strive to listen to their views and give them value. RCHS views inclusion and diversity on the Board as leading to a better understanding of opportunities, issues, and risks; enabling stronger decision-making; and ultimately improving our performance and ability to provide strategic oversight.

The RCHS Board of Directors is committed to modeling inclusivity, diversity, equity, anti-racism & anti-oppression and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.

Click here to view the full board governance policy on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice.