Government of Canada reducing barriers to inclusive employment through Call for Concepts

News Release

June 23, 2017            Gatineau, Quebec                        Employment and Social Development Canada 

Removing barriers to jobs for Canadians who are typically under-represented in our workforce will help the middle class, as well as those working so hard to join it. 

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, launched the Call for Concepts for a program to help federally regulated, private sector workplaces break down barriers to employment for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority communities. The Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity grant and contribution program will provide up to $500,000 a year to help make workplaces inclusive and diverse through partnerships and industry-specific strategies. 

The 2017 Call for Concepts will give preference to projects focused on Indigenous people or persons with disabilities, the two designated groups experiencing the greatest overall challenges in representation in the federally regulated private sector. 

The deadline for applications is Friday, August 4, 2017. Organizations whose project concepts are successful will be invited to submit detailed project proposals. Projects selected for funding will begin receiving funds in April 2018.

Quotes

“Every Canadian deserves the opportunity to work, earn a living and build the lives they want for themselves and their families. Through the Workplace Opportunities program, we’re breaking down job barriers for Canadians who are typically under-represented in our workforce, bringing more opportunities to the middle class and to those working so hard to join it.”
– The Honourable PattyHajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

  • The four designated groups under the Employment Equity Act are women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

  • Since 2014, nine projects have been funded under the Workplace Opportunities program, five of which are still active. The five active projects will conclude by March 2018.

  • The most recent data shows that Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities continue to experience greater gaps overall in representation compared to the other designated groups:

    • Indigenous representation in federally regulated sectors was 2.2 percent in 2015.

    • The representation of persons with disabilities in federally regulated sectors was 3.0 percent in 2015.

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-4183

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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