November 20, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Human Rights Commission
Despite decades of progress, women in Canada still do not enjoy the same quality of life as men, according to a report released by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) today.
The Report on Equality Rights of Women provides a national portrait of how adult women are faring in Canadian society compared to adult men. Based on data collected by Statistics Canada in a number of surveys conducted between 2005 and 2011, the report charts well-being across seven dimensions: economic well being; education; employment; health; housing; justice and safety; and political and social inclusion.
The report finds that, compared to adult men in Canada:
- Canadian women earn less income in most employment sectors;
- Canadian women are more likely to be unemployed;
- More Canadian women report feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods;
- More Canadian women say they have been victims of hate crimes; and
- More Canadian women report experiencing discrimination in their daily lives, for example, in services, in leisure activities or when looking for a place to live.
The report also highlights some areas in which Canadian women fare as well as or surpass men, particularly in education:
- Fewer Canadian women drop out of high school;
- More Canadian women are enrolled in university; and
- More Canadian women have a Bachelor’s degree as their highest level of educational attainment.
The report provides a baseline for future studies that the Commission intends to undertake to measure change.
Quick Facts
- This report consolidates national data collected by Statistics Canada between 2005 and 2011.
- The CHRC previously published two other equality rights reports: the 2013 Report on Equality Rights of Aboriginal People and the 2012 Report on Equality Rights of People with Disabilities.
- The CHRC receives, investigates, and resolves complaints of discrimination under federal jurisdiction. When warranted, it refers complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to decide whether discrimination has occurred, and order appropriate remedies.
- The CHRC audits employers under federal jurisdiction to encourage compliance with the Employment Equity Act.
- In addition to the above, the CHRC has a mandate to foster public understanding of the principles of the Canadian Human Rights Act and promote human rights through research and policy development.
Associated Links
Report on Equality Rights of Women (2014)
Report on Equality Rights of Aboriginal People (2013)
Report on Equality Rights of People with Disabilities (2012)
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edia Contacts
Media Relations
613-943-9118
www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
