A gathering at year’s end at Toronto’s Empire Club drew national attention to an issue long overlooked within Canada’s health system. The occasion marked the public launch of Voices Unheard, the first national survey dedicated to examining the health experiences of Black women in Canada. The study was conducted by the Black Women’s Health Institute, which partnered with the Empire Club of Canada to host an event titled Whose Health Counts? Improving Health Outcomes for Black Women and Girls.

The event combined research, performance, and public dialogue. Attendees heard from expert speakers and witnessed artistic contributions that underscored the emotional and human dimensions of the findings. A musical performance by Jully Black and a live breathing painting by artist Nicole Alexander framed the discussion, while Nam Kiwanuka, host and producer of TVO’s MIS•Treated, moderated the program.

Four panelists brought perspectives from medicine, research, and community leadership. They included Bukola Salami, a professor at the University of Calgary; Cindy Maxwell, vice president of medical affairs and system transformation at Women’s College Hospital; Modupe Tunde-Byass, inaugural president of Black Physicians of Canada; and Kearie Daniel, founder and director of the Black Women’s Institute in Health.

Promotional materials for the event emphasized how social factors such as neighbourhood, employment, education, and place of birth shaped health outcomes. For Black women and girls, speakers noted that gaps in research and systemic barriers had contributed to poorer outcomes, including challenges in perinatal care and access to quality services.

In a message to subscribers, the Black Women’s Health Institute explained that nearly 2,000 Black women, girls, and gender diverse people had participated in the survey. The organization stated that the report “does not just highlight disparities. It amplifies truth, names systemic harm, and presents bold recommendations for real change.”

The findings painted a detailed picture. Education and healthcare emerged as the most common employment sectors at 19.2 per cent and 17.5 per cent respectively, followed by non profit and community services at 11.6 per cent. A significant proportion of respondents held post secondary credentials, with 36.6 per cent reporting a bachelor’s degree and 29.6 per cent a postgraduate degree.

Barriers to healthcare access were widespread. Long wait times affected 29.7 per cent of respondents, while 17.6 per cent cited a lack of culturally competent providers and 14.1 per cent reported difficulty finding a trusted provider. Workplace discrimination was also prevalent, with 5 per cent experiencing bias at work and another 5 per cent saying they had been forced to leave a job due to discrimination or lack of support. Burnout appeared regularly, with 9 per cent experiencing it occasionally and 1 per cent frequently. The survey also found that 6 per cent had experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Mental health and safety concerns were the most frequently reported health issues at 27.4 per cent, followed by mental health conditions and hypertension at 15.8 per cent each, and fibroids at 13.5 per cent.

Organizers said the report demonstrated why detailed race based data was essential for improving policy and care. Voices Unheard, they argued, provided evidence needed to support better decisions and long term change within Canada’s health system.

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