On an April 10th briefing, Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Dr. Williams was asked about collecting race and socio-demographic data.  This question was prompted in response to efforts that black leaders in the Black Health Alliance initiated by issuing an open letter – calling for collection of these data informed by long standing advocacy calling for system wide collection of socio-demo-graphic data and in light of what U.S. data is showing about disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black and racialized communities.

The CMOH’s response was that all people are considered “equally important” hence the province would not be looking to collect race-based date.  This group of Black Health leaders sent a follow up letter the  CMOH (https://www.allianceon.org/news/Black-Health-Leaders-Respond-CMOH) and the Alliance issued a statement to the Premier and Minister of Health that was signed by 190 orgs and 1600.  See below links to the media coverage received on the issue:

PQWCHC

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-39-metro-morning/clip/15771796-is-the-racial-divide-of-covid-19-victims-in-the-us-repeating-in-ontario

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/2020/04/08/unlike-canadians-americans-at-least-know-how-black-people-are-faring-with-covid-19-very-badly.html

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/04/14/we-need-data-to-protect-those-must-vulnerable-to-the-coronavirus.html

Taibu CHC

https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9956324-as-pandemic-goes-on-scarborough-hospitals-see-visits-quite-reduced-/

Regent Park CHC

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/04/22/toronto-to-collect-race-based-coronavirus-data-province-still-not-doing-so/

To download the full report click here