Revising the Code, revising the culture: CMA releases draft changes to Code of Ethics

Press Release

January 13, 2026

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has released draft changes to its Code of Ethics and Professionalism (the Code), with the goal of combatting racism and discrimination within health care.

The revisions stem from the CMA’s work to advance Indigenous health and reconciliation, and will result in clearer guidance for physicians and clearer expectations for the public.

“This is about making sure every patient who we care for experiences excellent care, because good medicine must leave no one behind,” said CMA President Dr. Margot Burnell.

The Code is a foundational document that sets out physicians’ ethical obligations and reaffirms the medical profession’s core values. Many regulatory colleges across Canada require doctors to follow the Code as part of their licensing requirements.

“To update the Code, the CMA has relied on research and an extensive engagement process, including with Indigenous groups,” said Dr. Alika Lafontaine, the CMA’s Indigenous advisor in residence and former CMA president (2022–23). “Now, we have an opportunity to refine the proposed changes and work toward a revised Code that is used effectively, guiding professional conduct and decision-making in practice.”

Engaging with physicians, organizations and patients

Throughout 2025, the CMA engaged in extensive consultations with health organizations and professionals to ensure the revised guidelines would support them moving forward.

In total, the CMA reached out to more than 50 groups, including national Indigenous organizations, national medical organizations, regulatory colleges and provincial and territorial medical associations, along with hosting virtual sessions to hear from individual physicians.

The CMA also consulted with professional organizations, including those representing nurses and social workers, and Patient Voice, a group of people with lived experience who lend their perspectives to the CMA’s work.

Recognizing that changes to the language in the Code will impact Indigenous Peoples and communities, and other groups who face racism and discrimination, the CMA sought out a broad range of perspectives.

This review also relies on the findings of key reports including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Quebec coroner’s investigation into the death of Joyce Echaquan.

“My hope is that people leave this process with a clear sense that we are building a health care system rooted in dignity and respect — one in which people do not look away from experiences of racism and discrimination, but name them, learn from them and take responsibility for doing better,” said Dr. Lafontaine.

Within the CMA, this work is being led by a working group overseen by and comprised of members of the CMA Committee on Ethics, as well as members of the CMA’s Indigenous Guiding Circle — made up of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, experts and Knowledge Keepers — and representatives from other groups who face racism and discrimination.

What comes next

A major theme that emerged from the consultations was for the Code to adopt clearer, more actionable language to effectively address racism and discrimination in medicine.

In response, the revisions highlight the need for trauma-informed and culturally safe care, respect of Indigenous healing practices and adherence to Indigenous research protocols. The draft changes also underscore the need to create safer workplaces and learning environments for physicians who face racism and discrimination.

In January and February, the CMA will be seeking feedback on the draft changes. Once feedback has been reviewed, the draft will be revised and a new version of the Code will be released and disseminated later this year.

Provide feedback on the draft changes to the Code

The CMA’s journey to reconciliation

In September 2024, the CMA apologized for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.

The apology marked an important step in the CMA’s reconciliation journey, which includes advancing Indigenous health and well-being.

The consultation process to update the Code, and the opportunity for open discussion with Indigenous communities and the medical profession, is a pivotal part of the CMA’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

If you have questions about the review of the CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism, please email yourvoice@cma.ca.

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