The CRTO would like to acknowledge the land where the work of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario takes place. Our office is in Toronto, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississauga’s of the Credit.

Wherever we are joining from today, we recognize that we are each on lands that have been cared for by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial.

As Regulators, Respiratory Therapists, Council and Committee Members, and Staff, we are united by a commitment to care for patients, families, and communities across Ontario. Acknowledging the land reminds us that providing care also means listening deeply, respecting different experiences and perspectives, and striving to create environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

We recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism and residential schools on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples, and we reflect on the role our healthcare system and each of us within it has, in advancing reconciliation and supporting culturally safe and equitable care.

Taking this moment is an opportunity to reflect on how compassion, respect, and humility can guide not only how we work with each other, but how we care for every patient and community we serve. I invite you to pause and reflect on the land you are on today, and how we can carry forward our work with intention, respect, and a shared commitment to care.