​The past several weeks have been a time of humble reflection among our leadership at March of Dimes Canada, as we bear witness to an extraordinary international movement against racial injustice.

Our mission is grounded in inclusion, and in an unshakable belief in the equal dignity and value of each human life. It is with this in mind that we acknowledge the systemic racism that has oppressed Black, Indigenous and racialized people for many centuries, here in Canada and around the world.

Individually and collectively, all of us at March of Dimes Canada have a responsibility to help drive the change that is needed now. This means listening to, learning from and standing with our colleagues, consumers and everyone with lived experiences of racial injustice and oppression. It means actively challenging racism and discrimination wherever we encounter it. And it means looking inward and making changes. We commit to applying what we learn so we can become more inclusive as an employer, service provider and community partner.

I also want to acknowledge that the intersection of race and disability can deepen discrimination and exclusion. As an organization that helps to empower people with disabilities, we need to understand this better and do more to mobilize change. In the weeks ahead, we will begin research and consultations for the next March of Dimes Canada strategic plan. When we do, we will engage diverse voices and reflect their experiences, needs and aspirations in our plans and actions.

I hope these difficult times can be the catalyst for positive change in our organization and in society. Let this be the beginning of a conversation about how we can support each other, and how we can take action to end racial discrimination and create a more just, inclusive world. I invite you to contact us at president@marchofdimes.ca with your thoughts, experiences and ideas.

Len Baker
President and CEO
March of Dimes Canada