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Employment Equity Act Review Task Force

Background

Canada’s strength lies in its diversity.

The Government of Canada has taken steps to advance equity over the years. However, we know more work is necessary to create a level playing field for all Canadians. Creating equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces will help grow our middle class. It will also help build a country where every Canadian has a real and fair chance to succeed and contribute to the economy.

In support of this commitment, the Government of Canada has established a Task Force to conduct a review of the Employment Equity Act.

The aim of the Employment Equity Act is to remove systemic barriers for individuals in the 4 designated groups under the Act in federally regulated workplaces:

women

Indigenous peoples

persons with disabilities, and

members of visible minorities

These systemic barriers exist in the recruitment, promotion and retention of individuals in the 4 designated groups.

The 1984 Equality in Employment: A Royal Commission report identified these groups as having:

lower salaries

higher unemployment rates, and

greater concentration in lower-paying occupational groups

Since 1984, the Government of Canada has learned more about these barriers and as a result have committed to reviewing the Employment Equity Act.

The Task Force will undertake a comprehensive review of the Employment Equity Act and its supporting programs. As part of this work, they will engage with:

stakeholder organizations

partners, and

Canadians

Through their engagement, the Task Force will obtain views about employment equity and the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion in federal workplaces.

The Task Force will submit a final report for consideration by the Minister of Labour that includes:

results of their research and key findings

advice based on their own expertise, as well as from engagement session participants and from written submissions, and

recommendations to modernize and improve the employment equity framework in the federal jurisdiction in Canada

About the Task Force

The Task Force brings together a group of 13 members. They will provide valuable advice and input to the Minister of Labour on a range of workplace equity, diversity and inclusion issues. Together, the members bring diversity from their:

expertise

lived and professional experience, and

perspectives related to equity, for example:

accessibility

gender equality

Indigenous employment

official languages, and

anti-racism

A Chairperson will lead the Task Force with the support of 2 vice-chairs. They will work collaboratively:

at arm’s-length from the Government to provide independent advice, and

in a transparent a manner reflecting the Government of Canada’s policy on Open Government

For more information about the Task Force, its role and meetings, please consult:

Members list

Terms of reference

Engagement and consultations

The Task Force will be engaging with Canadians, stakeholders and partners to hear their views and about their lived experiences related to employment equity. The Task Force will consider the input they receive during their review of the EEA.

Information about the Task Force’s consultations and how to participate.

If you would like to share your views on the review of the Act, please send us an email at EDSC.LEE-EEA.ESDC@labour-travail.gc.ca. This consultation is open from February 28, 2022 and will close on April 28, 2022.

Related links

Employment Equity

Pay transparency

Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service

Canadian Heritage – LGBTQ2 Secretariat

Canadian Heritage – Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat

Women and Gender Equality Canada

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