Throughout its response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has worked hard to support the needs of all people in Canada. That being said, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities in Canada who already experience inequitable access to health care.
In an effort to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equity seeking communities, today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Marci Ien Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $26.3 million in 69 new research projects across the country.
These projects will focus on the impact of the pandemic on Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, as well as children and youth, and people living with HIV, mental illness, and chronic health conditions. For example, Dr. Josephine Etowa at the University of Ottawa will work to strengthen the capacity of health care providers to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities. Also, Dr. Helen-Maria Vasiliadis at Université de Sherbrooke will study ways to help people living with social anxiety disorder during the pandemic.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding these projects as part of its ongoing investments in COVID-19 research. The goal of these projects is to inform evidence-based policy and program development that support diverse communities and an equitable recovery from the pandemic.
