The Empire Club of Canada
Who gets counted when Canada measures health outcomes? That question drove a powerful conversation moderated by TVO’s Nam Kiwanuka, featuring Dr. Cindy Maxwell, Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, and Dr. Bukola Salami. The event also marked the launch of Voices Unheard — a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind report on Black women in Canada presented by Kearie Daniel, Executive Director of the Black Women’s Institute for Health.
The message was clear: Canada’s healthcare system doesn’t serve everyone equally. Black women face persistent barriers — from systemic bias to the absence of race-based data — that directly impact their health outcomes.
“This report is the first of its kind,” said moderator Nam Kiwanuka. “There is a lack of data around race.”
But the issue goes beyond data. As Dr. Cindy Maxwell emphasized, true inclusion means transforming how trust is built into every level of care. Mentorship also plays a vital role — creating pathways for young Black women in medicine and public health, while breaking cycles of exclusion and underrepresentation.
Across the country, health systems are beginning to respond — collecting data, investing in equity training, and elevating diverse voices. Inclusion is no longer optional; it’s essential to better outcomes for all.
“This report is the first of its kind. There is a lack of data around race.”
— Nam Kiwanuka, Host and Producer, TVO’s (MIS)Treated)
“The responsibility to the community goes beyond implementing healthcare initiatives.”
— Dr. Cindy Maxwell, Vice President, Medical Affairs & System Transformation, Women’s College Hospital
“It’s important to collect the data so you can measure and hold the system accountable.”
— Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, President, Black Physicians of Canada
“It affects us all, whether you’re Black or non-Black.”
— Dr. Bukola Salami, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, University of Calgary
For Policymakers:
Make race-based data collection standard — and pair it with community-led accountability.
For Healthcare Institutions:
Embed inclusion, mentorship, and trust in every layer of care. Representation isn’t symbolic — it saves lives.
For Communities and Businesses:
Support mentorship pipelines and advocacy that keep Black women’s health front and centre.
Voices Unheard challenges Canada to do better — reminding us that when healthcare works for Black women, it works better for everyone.