Niagara Health Named Among Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 4th Year

Niagara Health has, for the fourth consecutive year, been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, a testament to its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for both its workforce and the patients it serves.

The annual ranking, organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., evaluates organizations based on their forward-thinking programs and demonstrable progress in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. Niagara Health stands out as the sole Niagara-based employer and one of only five hospital systems across Canada to receive this distinction in 2026.

Beyond Compliance: Integrating DEI into Core Operations

The recognition isn’t simply about meeting benchmarks, but reflects a fundamental shift in how Niagara Health operates, according to Fiona Peacefull, Executive Vice-President of Human Resources. “DEI isn’t a standalone project for us,” Peacefull stated. “We integrate it into how we hire, how we support our people and how we care for our patients, and families. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made and of the team members who keep pushing the organization forward.”

This integration extends beyond human resources, encompassing clinical care and system planning. Niagara Health’s commitment is underscored by its 2025–2028 Health Equity Plan, a structured, evidence-based initiative designed to address disparities in care. The plan specifically prioritizes older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and Black communities, focusing on coordinated care pathways, community partnerships, and data-driven decision-making.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to DEI

The hospital system’s DEI efforts are built on a foundation of education and awareness. Over the past several years, Niagara Health has invested in equipping its team members with training focused on recognizing and mitigating bias, understanding privilege and power dynamics, and cultivating cultural humility. This internal capacity building is seen as crucial to sustaining long-term change.

Lydia Collins, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist, emphasized the dynamic nature of this work. “It’s exciting to watch the work around diversity, equity and inclusion expand at Niagara Health, and to be part of it,” Collins said. “Niagara Health has spent the last few years laying a lot of groundwork surrounding DEI… It’s a privilege to not only facilitate this learning for our team members, but to learn alongside them.”

The Business Case for Inclusion

Kristina Leung, managing editor of Mediacorp, highlighted the broader business implications of prioritizing diversity and inclusion. “Making a place at the table for everyone… is good for business because it lets employees bring their authentic selves to work,” Leung noted. She further explained that inclusive organizations are better positioned to attract and retain talent from across Canada’s diverse population.

Leung pointed to the challenges of a multi-generational workforce as an example, noting that designing benefits packages that cater to the needs of employees at all life stages – from those starting families to those providing eldercare – requires a level of inclusive thinking that leading employers have embraced.

Health Equity as a Strategic Imperative

Zainab Awad, Health Equity Manager and Niagara Health’s first DEI specialist, underscored the connection between DEI and the quality of patient care. “Since launching our DEI action plan in 2021, we have advanced meaningful organizational change… This recognition affirms that diversity and inclusion are not standalone initiatives, but foundational to delivering safe, high-quality care for the communities we serve.”

Awad highlighted the expansion of DEI efforts through the Health Equity Plan, which integrates equity considerations into clinical quality improvement and system planning. This signifies a move beyond simply acknowledging disparities to actively addressing them through targeted interventions and data analysis.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of Niagara Health’s DEI initiatives is attributed to the active participation of its team members, who contribute to committees, lead grassroots initiatives, and engage in ongoing learning opportunities. The hospital system’s commitment to DEI appears to be deeply embedded within its organizational culture, driven by a collective effort to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

The continued recognition as a Best Diversity Employer signals not only a commitment to social responsibility but also a strategic investment in the long-term health and resilience of the organization. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, Niagara Health is positioning itself to better serve its community and attract the talent needed to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.