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?

Diversity is Canada’s strength. One of the ways the Government of Canada promotes equality and diversity is through the Employment Equity Act. Removing barriers to employment helps build a country where every Canadian has a fair and equal chance to reach their full potential.

Since the introduction of the Act in 1986, continued progress has been made in federally-regulated workplaces for the four designated groups under the Act – women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

However, many workers are still facing barriers to employment. Economic and social changes have also occurred, and the understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion has evolved.

That’s why we launched an independent Task Force to conduct 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.

In June 2022, the Task Force completed its engagement with stakeholders and partners, where it heard about their lived experiences, needs and views on issues related to equity.

In the coming months, the Task Force will issue a report that includes concrete, independent and evidence-based recommendations on how to 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, by studying the Employment Equity Act (EEA) and consulting with stakeholders, equity communities and Canadians on issues related to equity.

The Task Force consists of 12 members from various backgrounds and fields of expertise, including the Chairperson, Professor Adelle Blackett, and the Vice-Chairperson, Professor Dionne Pohler.

On July 15, 2021, the Task Force members held their first meeting. In August 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 2022. Between February and June 2022, the Task Force consulted with stakeholders, members of designated groups and other communities, such as women, Canadians from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities and other under-represented groups. The Task Force met and engaged with 146 organizations and partners, totaling more than 300 stakeholder participants.

The Task Force is expected to release its report in the coming months, which will include recommendations to the Minister of Labour on modernizing the EEA.

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 is:

studying 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.

engaging with stakeholders, various partners, and Canadians to hear their views on equity;

undertaking research and analysis using a range of sources;

examining other existing practices in Canada and other countries;

applying a Gender Based Analysis+ (GBA+) lens and considering intersectionality throughout its work; and

will submit a report to the Minister of Labour, through the Deputy Minister of Labour.

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 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.”

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.

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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