Question Period Note: REVIEW OF THE EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ACT

On July 14, 2021, the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force was launched. Why is the Government undertaking this review? What is the Task Force being asked to do?

• The Employment Equity Act is an important tool for Canada to promote fairness, equality and diversity in federally regulated workplaces.

• Since its introduction in 1986, continued progress has been made for the four designated groups covered by the Act. However, there is still work ahead to address inequalities and long-standing barriers that limit workers from reaching their full potential.

• That’s why we launched an independent Task Force that will be conducting the most extensive review of the Act since its introduction.

• The Task Force has a mandate to study, consult and advise on how to modernize the federal employment equity framework. It will conduct research and hold engagements with stakeholders in order to provide actionable recommendations to improve and modernize the Act.

• The Employment Equity Act Review Task Force was launched on July 14, 2021, with a mandate to advise the Minister of Labour on how to modernize and strengthen the federal employment equity framework, and will study the EEA and consult with stakeholders, equity communities and Canadians on issues related to equity. The Task Force consists of 13 members from various backgrounds and fields of expertise, including the Chairperson, Professor Adelle Blackett, and two Vice-Chairs, Professors Dionne Pohler and Marie-Thérèse Chicha.

• The Task Force has convened three virtual meetings in July 2021. Further to the call of the 2021 federal election, the Task Force’s work was suspended due to the Caretaker Convention requirements.
• On December 16, 2021, the Minister of Labour’s mandate letter called for an acceleration of the review of the EEA to ensure the timely implementation of proposed improvements. The Task Force resumed work in January and held four meetings in February 2022. The Task Force will undertake its engagement activities from February to the end of summer 2022, and will produce a report shortly thereafter to make recommendations to the Minister.
• The purpose of the EEA is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person is denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfilment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by four designated groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

• For purposes of the review, the Task Force will:

o study issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with a particular focus on:
 defining equity groups;
 supporting equity groups;
 improving accountability, compliance and enforcement; and
 improving public reporting.
o engage with stakeholders, various partners, and Canadians to hear their views on equity;
o undertake research and analysis using a range of sources;
o examine other existing practices in Canada and other countries;
o apply a Gender Based Analysis+ (GBA+) lens and consider intersectionality throughout its work; and
o submit a report to the Minister of Labour, through the Deputy Minister of Labour.

• On June 16, 2020, the Parliamentary Black Caucus called for “a comprehensive review of the existing employment equity regime to help close the racialized wage and opportunity gaps by all governments.”

o The Parliamentary Black Caucus, established in 2015, is composed of parliamentarians from the Senate and the House of Commons who are either Black Canadians or allies of Black Canadians.

• In September 2017, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recommended that Canada “Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing employment equity regime and make necessary changes to increase the representation of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples in the workforce.”

• On June 22, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-15 to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which received Royal Assent.

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