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​​ 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.

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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 (cell), 416 340 4800 ext. 6247 (office)

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

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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.

Visit 'More Than Words - A Virtual Resource Space' to view the calendar of events and other resources

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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.

If you need help getting to Princess Margaret:

Contact the following resources for transportation aid:

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.​​​​​

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https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Continuing_Education_Programs/Pages/continuing_education_programs.aspx
Last reviewed: 5/25/2023
Last modified: 1/23/2024 5:39 AM
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