Health Ethics Symposium 2026
Ethics, Crises, and Disasters in Healthcare
About
Canadian healthcare systems have been described as in a state of crisis, in which demand for services has overwhelmed capacity. This is evident not only in acute care contexts like the emergency room, but also in people’s ability to access care for cancer, chronic medical conditions, and other issues. When the ability to deliver care is compromised, we may consider how ethical considerations change as healthcare shifts from providing exceptional care to care in exceptional circumstances. The focus of this symposium is on ethical considerations related to practicing in this context.
Key questions include:
- How should we understand the ethical nature of crises and disasters in Canadian healthcare contexts?
- What are the effects of crises and disasters on patients, families, and healthcare providers?
- Can ethical principles, values, or other ethical priorities be compromised in crises and disasters?
- How do we maintain transparency and public trust as part of a crisis or disaster response?
- What measures ought to safeguard vulnerable individuals who have the capacity to be disproportionately affected in crises and disasters?
- What individual and system resources are needed for patients, families, and healthcare providers during crises and disasterHow should we understand the ethical nature of crises and disasters in Canadian healthcare contexts?
By examining these questions, this symposium seeks to deepen understanding of the intersections of health ethics, crises, and disasters.
Speakers: Jay Baruch, MD; Peter Brindley, MD; Lorian Hardcastle, SJD
Target Audience
Health Care Practitioners, Scholars, Researchers, Students, Ethicists and Clinical Ethics Committee Members, Health Care Administrators and Managers, Social Workers, Caregivers, Patients and Families, and General Public.