Equitably improving primary health care requires research and practice-based learning that are thoroughly grounded in the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA). POPLAR, Ontario’s provincial primary healthcare Practice-Based Learning and Research Network, is hosting a series of webinars, beginning in July, for anyone who wants to learn more about building these principles into their work.

POPLAR’s vision is to advance equitable primary healthcare delivery and health outcomes for everyone in Ontario. We aim to embed EDIIA principles in all our activities. This ongoing learning journey requires self-awareness, reflection, and action. We are committed to developing approaches to leadership, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, knowledge translation, and data management that are in keeping with EDIIA. Join us in our journey.  

#Part 1: Embedding Equity in Leadership & Teams | Monday, July 25, 2022, 12-1 pm

To build a culture that supports EDIIA principles, leaders must embrace an inclusive approach. The transformation necessary for this approach will only happen if new behaviours and organizational practices are “baked-in” to our everyday work. During this session, Nicole Kaniki, Director of EDI in Research and Innovation at the University of Toronto, shared her experiences and how her organization is approaching EDIIA into the future.

Keynote: Dr. Nicole Kaniki, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research and Innovation at University of Toronto

Special introduction by Cliff Ledwos, Director, Primary Health Care and Initiatives and Associate Executive Director at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services 

#Part 2: Building Research Projects with an EDIIA Lens | Friday, August 26, 2022, 12-1 pm

When building value-driven and participatory approaches into research design, it's important to consider opportunities for engaging those who are frequently under-represented in research. What are the key components and questions to consider when imbedding EDIIA into “re-search”? During this session,  Dr. Viv Ramsden, Professor and Research Director in the Department of Academic Family Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, shared her experiences in developing community-led participatory research.

Keynote: Dr. Vivian Ramsden, Director of the Research Division, Department of Family Medicine at University of Saskatchewan

#Part 3: Embedding Equity in Leadership and Teams – Measuring EDIIA  | Wednesday, September 21, 2022, 12-1 pm

Dr. Nicole Kaniki  returned for a follow-up presentation to the first POPLAR EDIIA webinar, Embedding Equity in Leadership and Teams. This session expanded on the first one and addressed the question of how we can measure the effectiveness of our EDIIA efforts. Nicole will share recommended performance indicators and metrics for leaders to consider when developing and implementing strategies for embedding EDIIA into their organization’s work. 

Keynote: Dr. Nicole Kaniki, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research and Innovation at University of Toronto.

#Part 4: EDIIA and Data - Building Capacity | Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 12-1 pm

EDIIA concepts should inform the collection, governance and use of health data for research, Quality Improvement and system planning. However, all too often this occurs in a tokenistic or performative way, rather than being transformative. During this session, you’ll hear from Dr Andrew Pinto, founder of the Upstream Lab and co-lead of POPLAR’s Clinical Research Committee, as he takes us through key considerations relevant to building capacity in primary care for both applying EDIIA and the conduct of data science, outlining four key recommendations for research teams.

Keynote: Dr. Andrew Pinto, Scientist and Founder of Upstream Labs at Unity Health

#Part 5: FNIM Data and Indigenous Data Sovereignty

#Part 5.1: Recognizing the Harmful Effects of Historical Research and Building Trust with Indigenous Communities

Dr. Nicole Blackman and Dakota Recollect from the Indigenous Primary Health care Council address the need to acknowledge the impact of past research practices on Indigenous populations and the importance of building trust with Indigenous communities through meaningful engagement and collaboration. 

#Part 5.2: Empowering Indigenous Communities through Data Governance, sovereignty and Protection

This webinar will highlight the importance of protecting Indigenous data sovereignty and empowering Indigenous communities through the governance and protection of Data.

  • This webinar took place on May 10, 2023. The recording and slide deck will be posted to POPLAR's website, and links will be added to this page.