March 17, 2022 — Race-based and Indigenous identity data is essential for measuring health inequalities (also referred to as health disparities) and for identifying inequities that stem from racism, bias and discrimination. Health equity data can be used to inform actions and interventions to improve health equity among racialized groups.
To harmonize collection and ensure high-quality data that is comparable across jurisdictions, CIHI is releasing pan-Canadian minimum standards for collecting race-based and Indigenous identity data in health systems, along with guidance on their use. These standards can be voluntarily adopted by health systems that are looking to collect data on inequalities in health care access, quality, experience and outcomes.
This work has been ongoing for several years. It has included a detailed review of the literature as well as engagement with researchers, clinicians, organizations that represent racialized and Indigenous communities, and the federal, provincial and territorial governments. An interim standard was released on May 29, 2020, in response to the urgent call to understand the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in racialized communities. On July 24, 2020, CIHI published a discussion document containing proposed standards with relevant context and questions to solicit feedback and engagement. After the release of this document, CIHI received feedback from a wide range of stakeholders and partners to inform the updates to the final standard categories and the guidance for the appropriate collection and use of race-based and Indigenous identity data.
Canada’s health systems need to be able to identify inequities experienced by racialized and Indigenous groups, and to design and implement systemic changes to advance equity in health care. CIHI is on a learning journey, guided by what we have learned, and continue to learn, from racialized groups and Indigenous Peoples, communities, governments and organizations. We continue to seek feedback to identify best practices and implementation approaches across practice settings and jurisdictions.
Key messages
- These standards include 2 data collection items: a distinctions-based measure for Indigenous identity and a race-based data element.
- These standards should be implemented with data governance agreements, community engagement and processes for the safe collection of data. The report highlights additional resources to guide the implementation process and to prioritize safe and appropriate data collection and use.
- Data governance practices and community engagement help ensure that data collection benefits the community, and that the potential for harm is reduced. Specific practices are required for Indigenous identity data.
- Information on how these standards align with Statistics Canada’s national standards for population group and Indigenous identity are included in the report. Information collected using the race-based and Indigenous identity standards can be used alongside other important data sources, including the Census of Population.
Featured resources
Guidance on the Use of Standards for Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Collection and Health Reporting in Canada
This document provides pan-Canadian minimum standards for collecting race-based and Indigenous identity data in health care, along with guidance on safe and appropriate use of the data.
Additional resources
Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Collection and Health Reporting in Canada — Supplementary Report
This report identifies some key concepts and considerations related to collecting and using race-based and Indigenous identity data.