Accessibility & Inclusion

At IH, we have a clear commitment to foster an environment where human rights are respected and all staff, care seekers, and members of our community feel valued, respected and safe to be their authentic selves.

In alignment with our vision, mission and values, IH is committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all our practices.

• As an employer, we seek to cultivate a workforce rich in culture, experience, and knowledge that is representative of the people and communities we serve
• As a health-care service provider, we deliver services and solutions that make a positive difference in the lives of everyone we serve
• We encourage inclusion of all populations, including Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons with visible and/or invisible disabilities, and persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

Accessibility is a key part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. With IH's first Accessibility Plan, we strive to remove and prevent barriers that impede the full and equal participation of people with disabilities.

View IH Accessibility Plan

As we work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible health-care environment for all, we look forward to gaining invaluable feedback from staff and the communities we serve. Accessibility is a continuous journey, and there is always room for improvement. 

To report an accessibility opportunity, share feedback on IH’s Accessibility Plan, or identify a barrier you have experienced, please contact accessibility@interiorhealth.ca.

We're proud to announce that IH is accredited as a Rainbow Registered organization. Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQIA+-friendly businesses and organizations.

When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and clients feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

IH completed an in-depth audit and met a rigorous set of standards to become accredited in this network of safe spaces across Canada. We look forward to continuing our efforts.

Working with Indigenous Nation Partners and communities, we are committed to building and strengthening relationships for improved health services and health outcomes for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit. 

Learn more about our partnerships on our Indigenous Health & Wellness page.

Interior Health recently launched the 2024-2029 Indigenous Employee Experience Strategy. Grounded in the voices and experiences of Indigenous employees, communities, and Nation Partners, the Strategy seeks to enhance the overall employment experience for Indigenous Peoples at IH, from attraction to retirement. The Strategy addresses the recommendations in foundational documents such as the In Plain Sight report, weaving external calls for change with internal strategies to build organizational capacity and create a positive employment experience for Indigenous job seekers, candidates, and staff 

To learn more, view the Indigenous Employee Experience Strategy.

In 2020, we conducted our first-ever voluntary staff census to gain a deeper understanding of our workforce's demographics and their associated feelings of inclusion.

The insights gathered have informed our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading to meaningful initiatives aimed at building a safer and more inclusive workplace.

As our DEI journey continues to evolve, we plan to measure our progress every three years to ensure our efforts effectively serve the needs of our diverse workforce and enhance the quality of care to the communities we serve.