QHS EDIIA Initiatives General Assembly, with Dr. Alika Lafontaine
Date
Wednesday December 3, 20251:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
School of Medicine/Abramsky House Room: 132AJoin us for the Queen's Health Sciences (QHS) Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) General Assembly, a gathering of passionate minds and advocates dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment across the Queen's Health Sciences. This event has been made possible by the Bruce Cronk Lecture Fund, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and the Principal's Research Office.
The Outrage Cure: Understanding Anger, Outrage, and Indifference to Heal Relationships, Systems, and Self
Dr. Alika Lafontaine has spent two decades reshaping how Canadians see and experience health care. A Métis, Oji-Cree, and Pacific Islander anesthesiologist from Saskatchewan, he rose from rural practice to become the first Indigenous and youngest President of the Canadian Medical Association. During his tenure, he helped secure the largest federal health investment since 2004, led the CMA’s national apology to Indigenous Peoples in September 2024, and was named top Healthcare Innovator by Maclean’s magazine. Today, as the CMA’s Indigenous Advisor-in-Residence and Canada’s first Indigenous delegate to the World Medical Association, Dr. Lafontaine continues to advance reconciliation and equity, sharing Canada’s lessons on healing and system change with the world.
Drawing on insights from his forthcoming book The Outrage Cure  and his leadership in national reconciliation efforts, Dr. Alika Lafontaine examines how powerful emotions- anger, outrage, and indifference - shape culture, relationships, and decision-making across health and academic systems. Through real-world stories from the CMA apology, the Indigenous Health Alliance, and Safe Space Networks, he reveals how leaders can transform emotional tension into trust, shared problem-solving, and lasting social cohesion.
Panel Discussion & QHS EDIIA Champion Forum Innovation
In addition to Dr. Lafontaine's keynote address, the event will feature a panel discussion on Leadership role in Health Sciences Academic Setting, and presentations led by QHS EDIIA Champions. These presentations will showcase innovative and transformative initiatives that champion Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility across the QHS community. It's an opportunity to learn about the groundbreaking projects and ideas that are shaping the future of EDIIA in healthcare and academia.
Why Attend:
- Gain valuable insights into the importance of EDIIA in health sciences.
- Learn from experts and peers who are leading the charge for change.
- Discover innovative solutions and initiatives that are shaping the landscape of EDIIA across QHS.
- Network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about fostering inclusivity and equity in healthcare and academia.
- Learn how you can get more involved.
Snacks and beverages will be made available to the attendees!
Event is free to join! Registration is required!