Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Registrant Reference Group

Introduction to the EDI RRG, Diversifying the Board, and Truth and Reconciliation

The purpose of the meeting was to explain the scope and focus of this group. The group confirmed the Terms of Reference, were provided with an update of work to date, and the resulting EDI strategy objectives. The group also discussed ideas for how the College could further diversify the Board, options for achieving the EDI strategy, and the path towards meeting the relevant calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report.

Agenda items included

• Terms of Reference review
• Diversity on the Board
• Reconciliation and EDI Strategy

Advice to Staff

• Consider collecting Board member demographics to support any diversification efforts
• If the Board considers steps towards diversification, it is important that intersectional identities be understood
• If an allocated seat is considered as part of diversification efforts, it should be prioritized for a registrant who self-identifies as Indigenous
• Move forward with truth and reconciliation as a key focus for the College’s EDI strategy

The College’s Practice-Based Risk Approach and Expanding Registrant Demographics Data Collection 

The purpose of the meeting was to finalize the Terms of Reference, discuss RRG practices including presence on website, meeting frequency and summaries. Staff provided context regarding the College’s focus on evidence and research as a key part of the practice-based risk approach. Members discussed expanding demographic collection from registrants to include some of the protected characteristics as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Agenda items included

• Approval of Terms of Reference
• RRG practices: meeting summaries and meeting frequency
• Situating the EDI Framework into the College’s practice-based risk approach
• Expanding demographic data collection

Advice to Staff

• To adopt the Terms of Reference
• Consider expanding registrant demographic data collection to support analysis of systemic barriers experienced by pharmacy professionals

Facilitated Discussion: Understanding how the College can support registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients 

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on relevant Board motions and to provide a road map of 2024 topics that will be brought to the RRG for feedback. Members were also led through a facilitated conversation to discuss key considerations for how to support pharmacy professionals interacting with diverse populations in a way that is respectful and non-discriminatory. Members shared information based on their personal and professional experiences that staff will aggregate into case studies. Any identifying characteristics of cases were not recorded.

Agenda items included

• Review of 2023 RRG activities
• Board updates
• 2024 RRG meeting roadmap
• In Focus: Registrant Workstream (facilitated discussion)

Advice to Staff

• None

Development of case studies to support registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients and College Communication’s Audit Focus Group  

The purpose of the meeting was to review the draft case studies that were developed based on the facilitated conversations from March 4, 2024. Members provided feedback on the case studies and will review the case study responses during the next meeting. The group was also joined by a member of the Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Department who facilitated a focus group related to the College’s communications audit.

Agenda items included

• Case studies: Supporting registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients
• Communications audit

Advice to Staff

• None

Policy Consultation and Implementation Considerations – Supervision of Pharmacy Personal Policy and Human Rights Policy

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on the use of the case studies they developed. Members were led through a facilitated conversation as part of the consultation process relating to the Supervision of Pharmacy Personnel Policy. Members participated in a discussion on how to support registrants understanding the College’s Human Rights Policy. Members provided feedback on the data fields for expanded sociodemographic data collection.

Agenda items included

• Case Studies
• Supervision of Pharmacy Personnel​ – New policy and practice resources
• Human Rights Policy – Registrant supports and other implementations considerations
• Expansion of Demographics Collection – Review Questions

Recommendations

• None

Year in Review and Thinking Ahead

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on the work that had been discussed over the course of 2024. Items included Human Rights Policy, expanded sociodemographic data collection, internal training, policy consultation process, and expanded scope. Members provided feedback on updates and considerations as work unfolds. Members reviewed and approved webpage content. Members had an opportunity to discuss key issues that the College might consider for 2025, examples include AI in pharmacy, addressing stereotypes around substance use, and prescription delivery. Members also provided feedback that the structure and content of meetings continues to be a good use of their time

Agenda items included

• Review Webpage
• Year in Review: Human Rights Policy, Sociodemographics Data Collection, Governance and Board, Policy Consultation, Expanded Scope
• By-Law Review
• Thinking Ahead – Recommended Areas of Focus for 2025

Recommendations

• None

Forward Planning and Continuing Policy Review Work   

The purpose of the meeting was to understand how members define meaningful contributions when it comes to participation in the group to ensure that the College continues to provide meaningful opportunities to be part of improving access to equitable pharmacy care in Ontario. Members also provided feedback on policy related to centralized prescription processing. 

Agenda items included  

• Forward Planning 2025
• Policy Review: Equity in Centralized Prescription Processing Thinking Ahead

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Project Updates, Documentation Policy Review, Preferred Provider Networks (PPN) Discussion   

The purpose of the meeting was to provide members with information about internal projects related to the larger EDI Strategy. This included updates on a session with Jurisprudence, Ethics, and Professional Question Writers and Knowledge Assessors, staff training related to EDI foundational concepts and their application, internal accessibility efforts, and partnerships. Members also provided feedback on a policy related to documentation and were consulted regarding the Ministry of Finance’s consultation related to preferred provider networks.  

Agenda items included  

• Project Updates
• Policy Review: Documentation 
• Discussion: Preferred Provider Networks (PPNS)  

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Registrant Reference Group (RRG) Report and Expanded Scope Mandatory Education Assessment Tool  

The purpose of the meeting was to review the accomplishments achieved by the RRG over the last 2.5 years, as well to give updates on projects which have experienced delays. The information presented will be put into a report and posted on the College’s website to help registrants and members of the public understand the work undertaken by the RRG. Members also discussed and tested a risk assessment tool to help the College assess if and when mandatory education should be required related to expanding the scope of care undertaken by pharmacy professionals in Ontario.  

Agenda items included  

• RRG Interim Report
• Review: Expanded Scope Risk Assessment Tool for Mandatory Education

Policy Updates, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Registrant Reference Group (RRG) Report, and Legislation and Regulation Updates and Changes  

The purpose of the meeting was to review the final draft of the interim RRG report and to provide updates on relevant policy work, including moving forward with a partnership with Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. Members discussed changes to expanded scope and potential changes to mandatory training and other changes to the practice of pharmacy as registrants navigate an expansion to practice. Members also discussed As of Right legislation and ways to ensure pharmacy care in Ontario continues to meet the highest standards of care.  

Agenda items included  

• Policy Updates
• Final Draft of RRG Interim Report  
• Discussion: Legislation and Regulation Activities