Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI)

As of August 2022, PSI has implemented the “Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion” section to all operating grant application forms. This section is outlined as below.

PSI Foundation Statement on Research with Indigenous Peoples, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Sex and Gender-based Analysis:

The PSI Foundation mandate is to improve the health of Ontarians though physician-led research. As a foundation we are committed to improving the health of ALL Ontarians regardless of race, gender, ability, rurality, sexual orientation, education level or socioeconomic status.

Going forward, all grant applications will need to include a discussion of how the grant will address the following areas in terms of representation on the research team and incorporation into the grant methodology, data analysis, and interpretation of results where applicable:

• Research with Indigenous Peoples
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Sex and Gender-based Analysis

Research with Indigenous Peoples

The PSI Foundation recognizes the harms caused to Indigenous peoples through research. As a foundation, we are committed to walking on a path towards reconciliation as guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For projects that explicitly include Indigenous peoples, and for projects that may include data from Indigenous peoples, describe how the project will:

• Engage with Indigenous stakeholders, knowledge keepers and knowledge users
• Adhere to the principles outlined in the Tri-council Policy Statement 2, Chapter 9
• Incorporate the best practices for research set forth by
  • First Nations Information Governance Committee: OCAP® Principles (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession)
  • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nunavut Research Institute: Negotiating Research Relationships with Inuit Communities, A Guide for Researchers
  • Métis Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization: Principles of Ethical Métis Research

Refer to the CIHR Indigenous Health Research webpage for more guidance in this area.

PSI Foundation acknowledges that the land which we gather and operate on, known as Tkaronto (Toronto), is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Wendat, Chippewa/Ojibwe of the Anishinaabe, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. PSI Foundation also acknowledges that Tkaronto is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which is an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

Today, Toronto is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live, work, and create on this land. As we strive to learn from and work in solidarity with Indigenous communities, we dedicate ourselves to work with and listen to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in the spirit of reconciliation and partnership, as well as honour the past, present, and future generations who have stewarded this land.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Describe how EDI has been incorporated in both your team and research study. Groups may include but are not limited to women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.

Refer to the Ministry of Health Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) Tool Template and the CIHR Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Research System webpage for more guidance in this area.

Sex and Gender-based Analysis (SGBA)

Describe how sex and gender will be incorporated into your methodology, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

Refer to the CIHR Sex and Gender in Health Research webpage for more guidance in this area.

As of March 2022, PSI has engaged in the following activities related to EDI:

• PSI now has an EDI committee with the following members: Giselle Bodkin (Chair), Samuel Moore (PSI Chief Executive Officer), and Dr. Robin Walker (PSI Chair).
• The EDI committee has asked the Grants Committee to investigate how to advance EDI in PSI’s granting activities. The Grants Committee is looking at initial steps of fostering equity, inclusivity, and diversity in the grant application process.
• The EDI Committee will be presenting next steps to the Board of Directors.

For inquiries and feedback regarding EDI, please email us at psif@psifoundation.org with “EDI Inquiry” in the title.