CMA releases proposed update to code of ethics, focusing on Indigenous reconciliation, combatting racism

The Canadian Medical Association has released a draft of its proposed updates to its Code of Ethics and Professionalism, with a focus on striving for reconciliation with Indigenous communities and combatting racism in healthcare.While the current code of ethics already says physicians should “accept the patient without discrimination” on the basis of race and other characteristics and “reduce health inequities,” the term “racism” is not explicitly mentioned in the seven-page code. The proposed updates to the code seek to change this.“Never engage in discriminatory or racist behaviour. When caring for the patient, avoid acting on your personal biases (including perceptions of patients’ social position and personal identities), which can harm the patient and create inequities in care and outcomes,” a portion of the draft code reads.The CMA says it engaged it “extensive consultations” with health organizations, regulatory colleges, Indigenous groups and professional organizations, as well as hosting virtual sessions with individual physicians. It also consulted with Patient Voice—the CMA’s own panel of patients with lived experiences in the healthcare system.In addition, the proposed draft says physicians should “[r]efrain from discrimination, racism and hate speech in all communications, including in all media” and take the responsibility to actively address (including reporting, when appropriate) incidents of racism, harassment, hate and discrimination in the workplace. The updated code also asks physicians to not deny access to services or “differentiate adversely between patients based on behaviours—often driven by personal choices and the determinants of health—that may impact health (such as substance use, sexual behaviour, adherence to medication, occupation).“This is about making sure every patient who we care for experiences excellent care, because good medicine must leave no one behind,” CMA president Dr. Margot Burnell said in a news release on Tuesday.The updated code also incorporates findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Quebec coroner’s investigation into the death of Joyce Echaquan. The amendments ask physicians respect Indigenous worldviews and healing practices, honour the distinct histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and provide “culturally safe, trauma-informed and equitable care to all.”These updates come more than a year after the CMA issued its apology in September 2024 for the role of the medical profession in “past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.”“My hope is that people leave this process with a clear sense that we are building a health care system rooted in dignity and respect—one in which people do not look away from experiences of racism and discrimination, but name them, learn from them and take responsibility for doing better,” former CMA president Dr. Alika Lafontaine, who is the group’s Indigenous advisor in resident, said in a press release. The CMA is taking feedback on these proposed changes until Feb. 27, 2026. Anyone wishing to share their thoughts on the proposed code can do so on the CMA’s website.

CMA releases proposed update to code of ethics, focusing on Indigenous reconciliation, combatting racism

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics