Question Period Note: Indigenous Representation at CIRNAC

•Our Government is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive public service free of discrimination, harassment and violence.
•CIRNAC is committed to recruiting Indigenous Peoples into existing positions at all levels and to providing opportunities for professional development, career advancement and retention of current Indigenous employees.
•Employees are encouraged to complete the voluntary self-identification form, however it is not mandatory. Therefore, the total number of Indigenous employees may actually be higher.

•CIRNAC remains committed to a high representation of Indigenous employees, including in executive positions.

BACKGROUND

Breakdown of Indigenous representation as of August 25, 2023 for CIRNAC

Class Group Indigenous Non-Indigenous Total
AS 83 341 424
CO * * *
CR 15 72 87
EC 85 686 771
ED * * *
EG 6 11 17
EN 4 29 33
EX 17 125 142
FI 5 55 60
GS * * *
IS 3 9 12
IT * * *
PC 4 103 107
PE 13 174 187
PM 89 203 292
WP * * *
Grand Total 328 1816 2 144

• Due to low numbers, some results are not disclosed in order to protect the identification of certain employees.

If pressed on allegations of discrimination at CIRNAC

• We take allegations of workplace discrimination seriously and are committed to fostering a work environment that is safe and inclusive for everyone.

• We have a zero tolerance policy for racism and discrimination towards our employees and the Indigenous Peoples we serve.

• We have also established a Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Secretariat within the department to drive cultural change and address systemic racism.

If pressed on the decrease of Indigenous employees

• The decrease in the rate of Indigenous representation at CIRNAC after 2017 reflects the division of programs between CIRNAC and ISC.

• This included a transfer of over 2,000 employees in November 2017 from the former INAC to ISC and the transfer of approximately another 1,000 employees in July 2019.

• ISC now has most of the regional programs and programs that work directly with Indigenous communities where Indigenous employee representation rates tend to be higher.