We focus on addressing intersectional forms of racism, discrimination and inequities while promoting an inclusive culture, eliminating barriers to access and advancement, and providing a safe and supportive environment for our patients and all members of the team.

Maintain high-quality EDI-related data collection and enhance the utilization of this information in person-centred care planning that meets each patient’s/client’s unique needs.

Waypoint proudly offers training to all staff and has ensured 100% of our Senior Leadership Team have received the following training:

• Indigenous Cultural Safety Training
• Anti Black-Racism Training
• The Human Library Experience
• The 2s-LGBTQ+ Foundations Course

Develop recruitment practices and retention strategies to foster a staffing complement that reflects the patients/clients we serve.

• Review and update language in policies/procedures. 
• Update key sections of the Electronic Health Record to support person-centred care.

• Maintain relationships with community organizations representing groups facing inequities and take action to address feedback. 
• Strive to create an environment that is as culturally safe as possible for all community members.

We believe in open learning experiences where our staff members can learn from individuals who have lived experience of discrimination. Waypoint engages in sessions with the following community-based organizations representing groups facing inequities:

• Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle
• Georgian Bay Metis Council
• Gilbert Centre
• UPlift Black
• La Clé
• Jampa Ling Kadampa Buddist Centre
• The Human Library
• 2s-LGBTQ+ Training with Rainbow Health Ontario

Waypoint’s approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is aligned with the following frameworks and we have utilized these tools in the development of resources to support staff and patients:

1. Ontario Health Equity Framework (Download PDF)
2. AMHO’s Equity Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Framework (Download PDF)
3. A Black Health Plan for Ontario (Download PDF)

For many years Waypoint has included the commitment to fostering healing and inspiring hope in our strategic plans and patient guidance documents. Through the uncovering of unmarked children’s graves on the grounds of residential schools, we are learning more about Canada’s history and listening carefully and respectfully to understand how we can move forward to a better future.

Along with Canadians everywhere we search for understanding and how to express our sorrow and regret, and reflect on what fostering healing and inspiring hope means as we continue the healing journey. As a Catholic hospital, we acknowledge the importance of taking action and standing together with our many Indigenous partners as we seek to do better for our patients, clients, families, staff and community.

We mourn this terrible tragedy and the trauma residential schools have caused. This revelation causes us to further review our work as a mental health and addiction hospital in trauma informed care, cultural sensitivity and competency, and what we are doing to support our Indigenous population. To show our respect and offer our condolences, we have raised a new flag at the hospital. Designed by Ryan Walsh, an employee at Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team, the flag is an expression of our commitment to our partners and everyone we serve to move forward together – to learn from history, to be part of healing and offer hope for a better and stronger future.