This position paper evolved out of a need to address health disparities among various populations in Ontario. Various member agencies of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs noted that they were providing care to increasingly diverse populations.

They recommended urgent examination of cultural competency in mental health and addiction care delivery, in the overall mental health system, and in relation to the widespread health disparities between various groups within the population. Their experience had acquainted them with peoplewho were unable to obtain services due to multiple barriers, including language, sexual orientation, and limited treatment options. In addition, they observed that different organizations had different ideas of cultural competency, which led to differing applications in practice with varying focuses.

And finally, while certain organizations claimed to have achieved a certain level of cultural competency, communities were telling them that in reality this was not the case.

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