The McNally Project is a grassroots research community intended to build research capacity in and contributions to paramedicine. The members of the McNally Project, like many Canadians, are reflecting on the effects of systemic and institutionalized racism and their own roles within such structures. We acknowledge that institutionalized racism exists in modern society. It is perpetuated by inherited cultural norms, values, and attitudes that influence how society functions and is maintained when dehumanizing language and tools are used in science and academia. Without an intentional and critical examination, our policies, systems, values, structures and institutions within academic paramedicine will perpetuate racist and inequitable ideologies and practices.
Systematic oppression is often unnoticed and unexamined by those who benefit from it. This is true from the highest structural levels ranging from legislation and organizational policies to person level issues such as unconscious bias. Racist and inequitable policies and beliefs in society disproportionately privilege some over others in Canada and the rest of the world. We wish to acknowledge the privilege we possess and the responsibilities required of us to be antiracist in our work, actions and interactions, and to build an equitable future for all.
The McNally Project, which aims to contribute research toward advancing paramedicine, recognizes that the study of paramedicine is not immune to issues of racism and inequity. The burden of responsibility to correct historical inequality and create anti-racist structures is present within the profession the McNally Project studies and the role its scholars play within that academic pursuit. It is imperative that we take an active role in combating the disparities in health and security disproportionately faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. In order to contribute to an anti-racist society through and while building research capacity within paramedicine, the McNally Project commits to the following actions:
- Educate members about the history and prevalence of institutionalized racism in healthcare, including its impacts on the paramedic profession, paramedic clinical practice and research;
- Provide resources for members and followers to learn more about institutionalized racism and anti-racist practices & actions;
- Commit to and promote individual and collective reflection and awareness of conscious and unconscious bias;
- Include a critical assessment of institutionalized racism in the McNally Project curriculum moving forward;
- Advocate for discussion of diversity and inclusion in paramedic research, with particular attention to intersectionalities around race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This includes critical examination of current and ongoing research practices to
determine the impact of unconscious bias and systematic racism in study design and implementation; - Create an executive position or committee to ensure accountability in the pursuit of these commitments.
We recognize that building an anti-racist future requires the restructuring of large complex systems that function in society today. While we alone will not accomplish this goal, we endeavor to be part of the solution through meaningful work and discussion that engages with issues of racism, inclusion and equity, and generates positive actions.
On behalf of The McNally Project,
Laura Hirello, PCP, BSc. MHA(c)
McNally Project Fellow
Polly Ford-Jones, PCP, PhD
McNally Project Scientist
Paige Mason, PCP, BA(Hons), MA(c)
McNally Project Fellow
Alan Batt, CCP, PhD(c)
McNally Project Senior Fellow
Cheryl Cameron, ACP, BA(Hons), MEd
McNally Project Fellow
Tori Cuthbertson, PCP, MSc(c)
McNally Project Fellow
Walter Tavares, ACP, PhD
McNally Project Scientist