As the Ontario government began ramping up efforts to limit daily case counts at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts shed light on rampant health inequities that disproportionately impacted certain communities. However, these disparities were not the product of the pandemic, but instead were the result of systems that have structurally oppressed groups such as First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, Black and racialized communities, working class and people living in poverty, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, to name a few.
By: Marielle Boutin
As a result, health system leaders in Ontario continue to develop initiatives to promote equity, inclusion, diversity, and anti-racism to dismantle systemic barriers and reduce disparities.
Corey Bernard is one of these leaders.
A student in the Health Administration (MHSc) program, Bernard was presented with the 2024 Outstanding Black Leadership in Public Health and Health Systems Award in February of 2024, for his efforts in leading strategies to promote equity and inclusion in multiple levels of Ontario’s health care system. Bernard is the inaugural Director of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism at Ontario Health.
Bernard’s role is based in the Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism office, and centres around upholding Ontario Health’s Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Framework ,the first organizational framework that was created by this agency.
“This set the foundation for how we work as an organization,” says Bernard. “It has led to the development of priorities that are outlined within our strategic plan, with a clear focus on reducing health inequities.”
To reduce these inequities, Bernard collaborates with other health system planners and service providers across the province to ensure that health equity is embedded in all aspects of their work. For example, during the height of the pandemic, his team worked with the Ministry of Health to help identify hotspot neighbourhoods for vaccine allocation.
Bernard was also tasked with leading the High Priority Community Strategy, a funding initiative put in place by the Ontario government at the height of the pandemic to support local health and social service agencies in priority neighbourhoods across Durham, Peel, Toronto, York, Ottawa, Windsor, and Hamilton, which were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Additionally, Bernard was involved in establishing the Peel Black Health & Social Services hub, a full-service centre for Black individuals and their families to easily access health care and social services in a central place, close to their homes.
In 2023, Bernard and his team helped develop the first-ever Black Health Plan for Ontario, a joint venture between Ontario Health, The Wellesley Institute and the Black Health Alliance. This plan was established to help reduce health inequities for Black communities in the province by increasing access to quality care and supporting long-term health outcomes for Ontario’s Black populations.
In previous roles, Corey focused on patient and public engagement, developing frameworks and strategies to integrate patient voices into healthcare planning. He led the creation of the first patient, family, and community engagement strategy at one of the former Local Health Integration Networks and advanced patient- and family-centred care, enhancing patient involvement in decision-making across community hospitals and provincial health quality agencies in Ontario. Corey also organized symposia and forged key partnerships to strengthen community engagement, all while striving to promote greater health equity within Ontario’s health system.
These accomplishments led to Bernard being honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Black Leadership in Public Health and Health Systems Award at the Black Health Leaders Awards Ceremony hosted by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
When asked about his reaction to winning the award, Bernard says he was surprised and initially apprehensive to receive it, recognizing that this may be a consequence of systems that historically have not acknowledged, nor celebrated the talents and accomplishments of Black individuals.
“Doing this work takes a toll on those involved, and it can be challenging to keep pushing forward,” says Bernard. “As a result, you often feel like you’re constantly fighting an uphill battle, which can prevent you from making significant progress.”
He recalls experiences that have shaped his life and career path. How he has always had to work to support his education, and how he was unable to commit, which impacted his grades.
Looking back, Bernard is grateful for the recognition, largely because the acknowledgement came from his peers, colleagues, and community, who he says are crucial to the success of the work that needs to be done.
“It’s critically important to have colleagues to work alongside, as this work cannot be done alone. Working with others who share similar goals allows us to navigate and overcome these challenges more effectively. Bringing people together for an award and taking a moment to celebrate each other’s contributions and achievements is very important.”
This idea of harnessing the community to enact positive changes in the healthcare system extends outside of the office, according to Bernard.
“Historically, community-led initiatives have influenced policy changes. Real action and innovation come from those within the community who understand their needs and challenges. For policies to be effective and credible, they must be informed by and responsive to the community from the outset,” says Bernard. “This community-driven approach is crucial and must be taken seriously to ensure impactful and relevant changes.”
While there is no denying that change is needed, Bernard is hesitant to take active steps without first acknowledging that there are ingrained flaws in the system, which first require dismantling before any solutions can be proposed.
Bernard stresses that many people do not have access to necessary services and face unwelcoming facilities, which discourages them from returning for care. He notes that these systems need to be designed from the start with a clear focus on identifying and addressing disparities affecting specific groups, such as Black and Queer individuals. Only then, according to him, can healthcare be truly accessible for all.
Bernard’s contributions build upon a legacy of health system leaders that have historically, and continue to, work towards creating greater equity in the Ontario health system.
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Marielle Boutin
Email Address: ihpme.communications@utoronto.ca