The Canadian College of Health Leaders is proud to announce that William Osler Health System (Osler) has been named as the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Award. This prestigious honor celebrates Osler’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, both for its employees and the communities it serves. Operating in Brampton and North Etobicoke, two of Ontario’s most culturally diverse regions, Osler has taken decisive action to address systemic barriers and enhance healthcare access for marginalized populations. Through the leadership of their Patient Experience Office and Health Justice Team, Osler has implemented groundbreaking initiatives like the Underhoused Project and Patient Concierge Program, which support vulnerable and uninsured patients by bridging equity gaps in healthcare.
Osler’s commitment to IDEA is deeply embedded in its strategic priorities, as outlined in the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. The organization integrates equity, anti-discrimination, and cultural humility into its policies and operations, ensuring all practices reflect inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds. This is further demonstrated through initiatives such as the Health Justice Plan, which aligns with their commitment to culturally safe and trauma-informed care. By engaging with community partners such as the World Sikh Organization and the Indigenous Network, Osler is building a health system that is not only responsive to the needs of diverse patient populations but also works to dismantle systemic barriers to care and improve patient outcomes for equity-deserving communities.
Osler’s efforts also extend to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace. The establishment of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and an Indigenous Ceremonies Working Group has fostered a sense of belonging for staff, while leadership education in equity and anti-racism helps to ensure sustained progress. The organization is also focused on enhancing cultural competence within its workforce and improving employee engagement, with 75% of staff and 67% of physicians reporting feeling comfortable being themselves at work. These efforts contribute to Osler’s vision of a health system that not only reflects the communities it serves but also advances social justice and equity in healthcare. Through its comprehensive and innovative approach, Osler is setting a national benchmark for IDEA excellence, making it a deserving recipient of this distinguished award.
The Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Award recognizes a forward-thinking healthcare organization that has demonstrated leadership in creating and promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility to improve the environment for its employees, and to better service their customers/patients, and the community.
The award is sponsored by Sodexo Canada Ltd. Sodexo provides comprehensive support service solutions to the healthcare marketplace in four key areas: Food Services, Facilities Management, Real Estate and Project Management.
This award is part of our CCHL National Awards Program and will be presented at the Honouring Health Leadership event on June 15, 2025.
For further information and/or to arrange an interview, please contact: Christian Coulombe
Vice-President, Marketing & Membership
Canadian College of Health Leaders
613-235-7219, ext. 213
ccoulombe@cchl-ccls.ca
