The University of Ottawa played a decisive role as host institution and key academic partner, providing a strong institutional framework for the event, supporting the Declaration’s national and cross-sectoral reach, and affirming its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Through the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI), the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue supported the organization and delivery of the High‑Level Roundtable, fostering a national and interdisciplinary space for dialogue.
Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada
The Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada urges institutions and civil society to acknowledge the unique health realities of Black communities and commit collectively to a future rooted in responsibility, equity, and health justice.
About the Declaration
The Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada was born out of strong commitment to ending the invisibility of the health realities experienced by Black communities in Canada. It calls for a collective commitment to building a future grounded in responsibility, equity and health justice.
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH) provided the scientific, strategic and organizational leadership for the entire process leading up to the development of the Ottawa Declaration. As director of the ICBH, Professor Jude Mary Cénat coordinated the national mobilization of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, community leaders and institutional partners, as well as the design and delivery of the National High-Level Roundtable on Black Health held on November 20, 2025.
Learn more about the Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada, including its 10 observations and 24 commitments (PDF, 507 KB).
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Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada
Community evidence powering policy change for Black health
Institutional leadership and collaboration
“This Declaration must be more than symbolic: it must be our collective moral commitment to a Canada where skin colour does not determine quality of care received, live expectancy or opportunity.”
Jude Mary Cénat
— Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health
“Universities will wield a key role in training future health professionals and advancing research, and uOttawa is committed to this goal and to supporting its research and community partners.”
Marie-Eve Sylvestre
— University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor