Take a moment to Self-Identify
December 11, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:15
Your participation matters. The Department of National Defence (DND) is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI). Completing the Employee Workforce Survey and Employment Equity Self-Identification Questionnaire (accessible only on the National Defence network) helps identify gaps in representation and barriers to inclusion, ensuring a workforce that reflects Canada’s population.
Why is Self-Identification (Self-ID) important?
Your answers help DND design programs to recruit, develop, and retain a skilled and representative workforce. Self-identification (Self-ID) data is essential for creating programs and services that support equity-seeking groups and to develop and retain a representative workforce. For example, based on Self-ID data, DND introduced the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport (accessible only on the National Defence network) for persons with disabilities and the Indigenous Career Navigator Program (accessible only on the National Defence network) for culturally relevant career guidance.
What you need to do:
- Part A is mandatory for all employees. Even if you have completed a questionnaire elsewhere, do not self-identify, or have changed positions within DND.
- Part B is voluntary, but crucial. It takes only a few minutes and helps shape policies and programs that benefit everyone.
You can complete the Employment Equity Self-ID Questionnaire in one of three ways:
- Online in HRMS/PeopleSoft (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- Log in to the HRMS Self-Service Portal.
- Select Employment Equity Questionnaire (GC) under Self-Service.
- Read the preamble, complete Part A, and click Next tab, complete Parts B and C (optional).
- It is important to tab through all 3 sections and select “submit” at the end of the questionnaire to ensure your information is captured in the system.
If you do not have access to the National Defence network or HRMS, you can request the PDF form by contacting diversity-diversite@forces.gc.ca and following the submission instructions below:
- To submit a PDF form via email
- Download the questionnaire from the HR-Civ intranet (accessible only on the National Defence network).
- Complete Part A (mandatory) and Part B (optional).
- Send via encrypted email to diversity-diversite@forces.gc.ca.
- To submit a PDF version via mail
- Request a paper copy from your manager or the email below.
- Complete Part A and optionally Part B.
- Mail to:
ADM(HR-CIV), DGWD, DWPS-OPS,
NDHQ, 101 Colonel By Drive Ottawa (ON)
K1A 0K2
Att: DWPS-Ops, Self-ID Team
You can update your information at any time. It is confidential, protected under the Privacy Act and the Code of Confidentiality, and will not be shared with your manager or colleagues.
It’s important to note that:
- Self-ID data is aggregated and used only for workforce analysis and program development, not for performance or promotions.
- Disabilities do not need to be visible to self-identify.
- Indigenous or Métis persons may self-identify without a status card.
Related links
- Self-identification (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- How to complete your Employment Equity Questionnaire (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- Self-identification in the Public Service: Yes, count me in! – Canada.ca
- Code of confidentiality – Canada.ca
- Privacy Act
- Accessible Canada Act