MUHC staff report racism and discrimination in workplace review
Employees at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) say they have experienced incidents of racism and discrimination "of various forms" at work.
That was one of several findings of a report from the centre's own committee tasked with surveying its workforce. The study itself has not been made public, but an executive summary released publicly on Friday reported wide-ranging feelings of discrimination and bias against minority groups.
"Participants cited their concerns about hiring practices, pay inequality and inequity at the MUHC, including wage disparity between male and female employees. Participants also pointed out the inherent bias in the hiring and selection process for committees and management positions," read the summary.
The four-page summary did not provide statistics to suggest just how widely those experiences were reported. However, the committee recommended the hospital implement significant changes to training, hiring, and reporting practices.
Respondents said upper-level positions were lacking diversity, while visible minorities were more represented in lower-level jobs, "such as cleaners, janitors, and very few reach the upper echelons of administration."
Seeta Ramdass, a patient advocate, and Dr. Anita Brown-Johnson, chief of family medicine at the MUHC, both of whom are women of colour, were appointed as co-chairs of a task force mandated to launch the report. Ramdass called the survey a "brave" undertaking by the MUHC -- a hospital which serves a "very diverse" clientele.
"People reported working in a department where an Indigenous patient was addressed in a very disrespectful manner," she told CTV News, adding that anti-Black racism was "very often" mentioned by respondents.
The report paints a complicated picture of a hospital which, in the words of the MUHC Executive Director Dr. Pierre Gfeller, ought to be "free from discrimination and harassment."
Gfeller published an op-ed in the Montreal Gazette Friday morning, pledging to "do more" to ensure better access to jobs and advancement opportunities for under-represented groups. He also vowed to make a safe system for reporting instances of discrimination, as recommended by the diversity committee.
Ramdass said "at no time" did respondents express a desire for their coworkers and superiors to be punished.
"What they said was, they want to see the situation improved [at the] institution," she said, paraphrasing staff. "We want people to get education."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.