If you identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and are coming to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto for treatment, there are unique supports and team members available to help you.

Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator

The Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator helps patients and families in the cancer system who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis.

Leonard Benoit is the Indigenous Patient Navigator and is here to help:

  • Answer questions about what to expect with upcoming appointments or tests
  • Support a patient at clinic visits (attends with patient/family)
  • Introduce a patient to health care providers
  • Find more information about cancer and treatment
  • Connect a patient/family with spiritual support, as well as support in the community
  • Assist with applications for financial and transportation services
  • Advocate with and for a patient/family to equitably and rightfully conduct ceremonial practices and alternative options as expressed by the patient/family. Some examples are: smudging, cedar bath, pipe ceremony, qulliq/kudlik.

    • Contact Information

    If you have questions, contact Leonard Benoit, the Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator for Toronto:

    Photo of Leonard Benoit

    Name: Leonard Benoit
    Email: Leonard.Benoit2@uhn.ca
    Phone: 647 309 1794

    If you live outside of Toronto, visit the Cancer Care Ontario website to identify the Indigenous Navigator in your region.

    Community Support

    Toronto Regional Cancer Program

    University Health Network's Smudging Policy

     

     

    National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day

    The UHN Indigenous Health Program hosted a number of events throughout the month of June to honour National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day. These events and initiatives we​re hosted in collaboration with the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (Women's College Hospital), The Indigenous Cancer Program (Toronto Regional Cancer Program), Ontario Health (Toronto) and the University of Toronto's Office of Indigenous Health.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I get to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre?

    Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is at 610 University Avenue, south of College Street.

    If you are travelling by car:

    The best place to pick up or drop someone off is the Murray Street entrance, at the back of the hospital. (Note: The Murray Street entrance is wheelchair accessible. The University Avenue entrance is not wheelchair accessible.)

    If you are taking public transit:

    The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates buses, streetcars and subways through the City of Toronto.

  • For information on bus and subway routes throughout the Greater Toronto Area you can visit TTC.ca or call 416 393 4636 (416 393 INFO)
  • Learn more about TTC prices and fare information

    • If you need help getting to Princess Margaret:

    Contact the following resources for transportation aid:

  • Wheel-Trans, the TTC's specialized transit service
  • Wheels of Hope Transportation Program, from the Canadian Cancer Society

    • Learn more about getting to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

    What do I need for my first appointment?

    Before your first appointment:

  • Make a list of your medications for your health care team. You can also bring in the medications in their original packaging.
  • Collect information from your family doctor about your medical history and any CDs or DVDs of your medical images (x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds).

    • The day of your first appointment:

  • When you get to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for your first appointment, go to your assigned clinic and sign in with the clinic receptionist (also called a Patient Flow Coordinator).
  • You will need your health card (OHIP card), or a piece of identification with your address on it (for example, driver's license).

    • For more details about what to expect, visit the My First Appointment or contact a member of your health care team at your assigned clinic.
    Last reviewed: 6/2/2021
    Last modified: 8/27/2021 10:38 AM