Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Justice (EDIA&J) at CanHepC

Why EDIA&J Matters

Health inequities rooted in colonialism, racism, stigma, and social and economic exclusion continue to shape who is affected by hepatitis C in Canada. These inequities disproportionately impact Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), people who use drugs, people with experience in the prison system, immigrants and newcomers from countries where hepatitis C is more prevalent, and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Addressing these inequities requires more than inclusion—it requires intentional action to transform systems, remove barriers, and center the voices and leadership of communities most impacted.

EDIA&J is therefore foundational to how we conduct our research, build partnerships, support our trainees and engage with each other and with communities.

Our EDIA&J Framework

CanHepC’s EDIA&J Framework guides how we integrate EDIA&J into our research, training, and partnerships. It reflects a shared commitment across the network to continuously reflect, learn, and adapt our practices.

Our Code of Conduct outlines how we foster a respectful, inclusive, and accountable network environment.

The Framework and Code of Conduct have been developed under the EDIA&J Advisory Committee’s guidance. Jointly with the CanHepC Secretariat the EDIA&J Advisory Committee supports the implementation of our commitments and helps ensure accountability across the network.