FAQs: Mandatory cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism training

In June, we announced that mandatory cultural safety and anti-Indigenous training is mandatory for all CPSM registrants by October 31, 2027.

We are pleased with the number of registrants who have reached out with questions, seeking clarification, or looking for more information. Here are a few reminders about the training:

1. There are four pre-approved courses, but if you have completed another course, you may meet the requirements. Please contact the Restorative Practices Program at RestorativePractices@cpsm.mb.ca for approval.
2. If you completed one of the identified programs before December 18, 2024, you are considered to have met the requirement but must undertake further education within five years of course completion.
3. We have had several questions regarding CPD credits. Please note:

o   This activity has not been formally reviewed by the CFPC; however, it is eligible for non-certified credits. Mainpro+ participants may also earn additional certified credits by completing a Linking Learning exercise.

o   For Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada MOC, participants may claim section 2 credits under courses (asynchronous). 

Frequently asked questions revolve around the three identified themes below. 

Dr. Jayson Stoffman, Medical Consultant for the Restorative Practices Program, answers the why, what, and how about the training. 

Q. WHY do I need to do this?

The first step to practicing medicine to eliminate anti-Indigenous racism, as described in the  Standard of Practice, is to understand and acknowledge that racism creates health inequities.

The new requirement for mandatory cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism training is an important part of achieving that. CPSM wants to ensure that all registrants practicing in Manitoba share a fundamental understanding of the impacts of systemic anti-Indigenous racism on our health care system and the Indigenous patients and families we serve.

It should not be seen as a threat or punishment but as an opportunity for personal learning and growth and a contribution to important and meaningful systems change.

Q. WHAT training to I need to do?

There are four pre-approved options. See all the details available here.

This is not meant to be an exclusive list and we recognize that there are other cultural safety courses available. We encourage you to contact the Restorative Practices Programs if you have completed another course which might be equivalent and we can determine whether it satisfies the requirement.

Q. What do you consider as equivalent? 

In considering alternative training, we will look at what content the course covers and how it provides the instruction.

It needs to include the historical and cultural context of anti-Indigenous racism in health care and a consideration of how it should be addressed, ideally with a trauma-informed care approach. It also should be a program that encourages reflection and active engagement with the materials.

Please note: practicing in an Indigenous community or with a large Indigenous patient population on its own is not a substitute for cultural  training.

Q. HOW do I notify CPSM I've completed the training?

While the mandatory cultural sensitivity training is required effective October 2027, you will be asked about it on your annual renewal starting this fall.

You will be able to indicate whether you have completed an approved training course and which one it was. You will also have an opportunity to share whether you have received other training that may be relevant but did not fulfill the requirement.

On this year's annual renewal, you will be asked if you have completed the training.

If you have completed the training, you will be asked to include the name of the training, the completion date, and you may upload a certificate of completion.

You must be able to provide evidence that you have completed the mandatory cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism training upon request. Audits, by random selection, will be conducted for up to 5 years after the training completion date.