TIME FOR DEEDS NOT WORDS 

The OATA Board of Directors has been giving serious thought on what the Association and you our members could do to be part of ending systemic racism in Ontario.

The Black Lives Matter and I Can’t Breathe Movements underway now in the USA are relevant to all of us here too.  We were challenged by new Director, Paul Murata to do more than issue a nice statement of support for protesters and anti-racism advocates.  He has provoked us to action.

Racism lives in hearts unaffected by borders.  We have to look into ourselves and review our own thoughts and actions too.  What can we be doing to have an impact to end the very serious disease of racism and hatred? As Athletic Therapists what can we do in our province of Ontario to make a difference?

We would like to report to you on a series of actions and commitments:

1. We issued an appeal to the CATA to change the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics to add clear language and disciplinary actions for racist conduct. CLICK

2. We issued a request to the CKO to develop a new Standard of Practice related to Racial Discrimination. CLICK

3. We have committed to two annual scholarships to Ontario high school students of colour committed to pursuing Athletic Therapy studies at York and/or Sheridan.

4. We have committed to challenge the membership to a donation (collectively) of $846 to Black Lives Canada in honour of the 8 minutes and 46 seconds the police knee was on George Floyd’s neck. CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

5. The Board of Directors has personally committed to matching that $846 donation to Black Lives Matters Canada.

6. We have directed CISM Chair, Frances Flint, to add coping and stress coaching for AT s who are victims of racial discrimination.

7. We have tasked the OATA Ombudsman, Carly Vandergrient with sourcing a suitable anti-racist conduct e-learning module for health care professionals to be offered to members.

8. And, yes, we have added our voice to those of the many condemning racism in all forms, including racism against Black, Indigenous and people of colour as well as anti-Asian racism.

One way to show your support of Black Canadians is by making a donation of any amount to local organizations.

Here are some of the Black organizations in Canada that you can support (through a financial contribution or otherwise) today and every day.