OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 17, 2008- The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today tabled the 20th Annual Report on the Employment Equity Act in the House of Commons.
"This report demonstrates the commitment of employers toward inclusive, diverse workplaces," said Minister Blackburn. "This year again, we have made gains in the employment situation of women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities."
The Employment Equity Act Annual Report describes the progress towards a more representative work force achieved by federally regulated employers. The findings in the report, which analyses 2006 data, show that improvement has been made in the representation of the four groups designated under the legislation: women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The greatest improvements were for members of visible minorities in the federally regulated private sector.
The report includes a section on employers' performance in terms of compliance with the requirements of the Act, and recognizes particularly outstanding results. For the fifth consecutive year, the Canadian Museum of Nature received perfect marks. Other employers that were in the top tier include the Business Development Bank of Canada, CTV Inc.-CFCF, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation.
These employers were selected based on their overall performance in the following areas:
- their work force reflects the labour market availability of all designated groups;
- members of designated groups work in the same types of jobs as other employees in the organisation;
- members of designated groups earn, on average, the same salaries as other employees in the same organisation;
- members of designated groups receive equal hiring and promotion opportunities; and
- members of designated groups are not disproportionately terminated compared to other employees.
The report also recognizes an exemplary employer, Nasittuq Corporation, for tapping into Aboriginal peoples' talents. Nasittuq Corporation has achieved substantial progress over time and has implemented special initiatives to attract and retain Aboriginal employees.
Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Labour Program is responsible for administering the Employment Equity Act . The Labour Program is committed to building fair, safe and productive work environments, which contribute to the social and economic well-being of all Canadians.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Labour Program Web site: Labour.gc.ca
