Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Board Committee

ONA is committed to ensuring that every member has the right to equal opportunity and full participation in both the workplace and the union. Our work is guided by human rights and equity (HRE), and anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) approaches, recognizing that systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression impact members in complex and intersecting ways. 

The Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights (AREHR) Board Committee provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Board of Directors, helping to identify priorities, strengthen internal capacity, and advance equity-focused initiatives across ONA. The committee's work focuses on:

• Challenging systemic racism and all forms of discrimination.
• Advancing equity through an anti-racism and anti-oppression lens.
• Identifying and addressing systemic barriers affecting members.
• Integrating human rights and equity principles across the organization.

The committee brings together members with lived experience and expertise across diverse communities, including Indigenous members, Racialized members, 2SLGBTQI members, Francophone members, Members living with disabilities and Ally members. This ensures their work reflects the voices and experiences of members who may face discrimination or marginalization, along with allies.

Through its advisory role and action teams, the committee:

• Recommends priorities and actions to address racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Provides input on member education, communications, and organizational initiatives through ARAO and HRE lenses.
• Supports awareness and engagement efforts, including events, caucuses, and commemorative initiatives.
• Provides guidance on reconciliation efforts and equity-focused strategies.
• Contributes to strengthening communities of support and belonging.
• Supports key areas such as communications, events, reconciliation, education, and outreach, helping to advance this work across the organization.

Supporting Members

As an ONA member, your collective agreement protects your right to equal treatment and freedom from discrimination and harassment based on grounds such as race, ancestry, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

We support members in a variety of ways, including:

• Providing education and training on workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, and psychological safety.
• Developing tools and resources to support advocacy and collective agreement rights.
• Promoting awareness of equity-related issues and commemorative dates.
• Supporting members in building inclusive and respectful workplaces.

We have won many fights defending members’ rights, and continue to advocate for stronger protections and systemic change, not just for our members, but for all workers in Ontario.

Observances

ONA recognizes and marks key human rights and equity observances throughout the year as part of our ongoing commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. These observances are an opportunity to:

• Raise awareness of important social and workplace issues.
• Honour the experiences and contributions of equity-deserving communities.
• Support members in building more inclusive and respectful workplaces.

For each observance, we share curated content, including articles, resources, and tools designed to deepen understanding and support meaningful action.

Contact the Committee

The Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights (AREHR) Board Committee is led by:

• Karen McKay-Eden, Chair, Vice-President Region 3 (AREHR Portfolio)
• Rachel Muir, Co-Chair, Vice-President Region 2
• Kieran Maxwell, Senior Manager, Member Education/Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression

You can contact the committee with questions, concerns or to share information. All inquiries are treated with care and handled through the appropriate channels.

By email:
hreintake@ona.org or ARAO@ona.org

By mail:
Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights
Ontario Nurses’ Association
85 Grenville Street
Toronto, ON M5S 3A2

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in our AREHR work, depending on your interests and availability.