Niagara Health is honoured to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity Employers for 2025, highlighting our commitment to fostering a workplace culture centred on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and celebrating our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment for all employees.
The Canada’s Top Diversity Employers list honours organizations that lead the way in supporting diverse communities, including women, visible minorities, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This recognition underscores Niagara Health’s dedication to fostering equity and inclusion through comprehensive programs, policies and initiatives that support the diverse needs of our workforce.
“Our commitment to Putting People First remains at the heart of everything we do,” says Fiona Peacefull, Executive Vice-President, Human Resources. “This recognition as one of Canada’s Top Diversity Employers affirms the importance of building a workplace that is safe, supportive and welcoming for everyone.
Niagara Health’s efforts in DEI have been supported through a variety of initiatives, including Indigenous cultural safety training, an inclusive recruitment process, a mentorship program to diversify our talent pool and supportive programming for internationally educated nurses. Last year, Niagara Health also hosted an inaugural DEI and Health Equity Conference, which brought together professionals, experts and advocates to share knowledge, discuss challenges and develop strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
A key contributor to our success has been the active involvement of Niagara Health’s DEI Committee, Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team and countless team members who brought forward ideas and participated in DEI events, all helping to foster a culture of inclusion within our hospital community.
At Niagara Health, DEI is a strategic priority, with ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the varied perspectives and experiences of both staff and patients.
“By continuing to promote a culture of belonging, Niagara Health is strengthening our team and improving the care we provide to every patient who walks through our doors,” Peacefull says.
This recognition, awarded annually by MediaCorp Canada Inc., is just one milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving diversity and inclusion across Niagara Health.
Read more about Niagara Health’s 2025 Top Diversity Employers recognition.
If you are interested in joining our diverse team of dedicated healthcare professionals, visit the Niagara Health website for more information.
Hear from our team about what diversity means to them:
“Since the inception of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, and in my role as co-chair, we’ve made significant strides in creating space for all people, especially those from equity-deserving populations. Niagara Health has become a space where I feel seen, heard and valued, but I also recognize that our journey toward equity and inclusion is far from over. There is still work to be done to ensure that everyone feels the same sense of belonging and safety that I have found.” - Robert Cosby, Director, Patient Experience
“I've witnessed our organization's genuine evolution in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The progress we've achieved stems from organizational support that allowed us to take an approach that is both systematic and sustainable. This groundwork now positions us to advance meaningful equity initiatives, supporting better health outcomes for all of the communities we serve.” – Zainab Awad, Manager, Health Equity
“Diversity initiatives at Niagara Health demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive culture. They actively foster an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, heard and empowered. I am proud to serve as a patient partner on the DEI committee at Niagara Health.” - Cindy Ko, Patient Partner and DEI Committee Member
“When I started volunteering at Niagara Health, I could speak almost no English. I started volunteering because I wanted to be helpful to the community and improve my skills in English. Niagara Health feels like a second home to me and I feel safe to be myself.” - Lucia Camelo, Niagara Health Volunteer
“Healthcare is demanding, and creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing feedback is essential for continued improvement and delivering the best patient care. Taking part in Niagara Health’s Extraordinary Us Mentorship program showed that growth isn’t just about advancing your career, it’s also about becoming the best version of yourself in your current role, whether you’re a nurse, an educator or a leader.” - Simon Akinsule, Executive Vice-President, Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive
“Niagara Health’s Extraordinary Us Mentorship program and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee have provided me with a safe space to learn from the lived experiences of like-minded individuals, opening doors for many transformative conversations about further advancing workplace inclusivity. Ultimately, this work improves care experiences for everyone at Niagara Health, which achieves our shared vision.” – Kayleigh Tyrer, Clinical Manager
