Race-based and Indigenous identity data

March 22, 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 released pan-Canadian minimum standards for collecting race-based and Indigenous identity data in health systems, along with guidance on their use.

Read more about the standards and guidance from CIHI

Guidance and standards: Guidance on the Use of Standards for Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Collection and Health Reporting in Canada (PDF)

Supplementary report: Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Collection and Health Reporting in Canada — Supplementary Report (PDF)

The College acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years, and we honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors.