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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:
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
Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service
Canadian Heritage – LGBTQ2 Secretariat
Canadian Heritage – Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat