Government publishes task force report to modernize the Employment Equity Act

The government, in collaboration with the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force chaired by Professor Adelle Blackett from McGill University, has released a report to modernize and revitalize the Employment Equity Act.

Created in 1986, the Employment Equity Act was introduced to dismantle barriers hindering marginalized communities from realizing their full potential in the workplace, promoting fairness, equality, and inclusion. The dynamic evolution of Canadian workplaces over the years necessitated a comprehensive review, prompting the creation of a task force to assess and recommend changes.

In 2021, the government launched the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, which was mandated to undertake an independent review of the Employment Equity Act. The task force consulted extensively with Canadians, employer and worker organizations, civil societies, experts, governmental authorities, and other stakeholders and communities.

Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan Jr. and Professor Blackett have recently announced the release of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force's final report, "A Transformative Framework to Achieve and Sustain Employment Equity." The report, a culmination of extensive research and engagement with Canadians, stakeholders, and experts, provides evidence-based recommendations to bring the act in line with the realities of contemporary workplaces.

Released on Human Rights Day, the report emphasizes that "diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice, and equity is the law."

Minister O'Regan expressed the government's broad support for the transformative recommendations and announced initial commitments to modernize the act. Key steps include creating two new designated groups under the act—Black people and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Additionally, the term "Aboriginal Peoples" will be replaced with "Indigenous Peoples," the definition will be updated to include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit to ensure it is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Further changes involve replacing the term "members of visible minorities" with "racialized people" and aligning the definition of "persons with disabilities" with the Accessible Canada Act for greater inclusivity.

These initial steps signal the beginning of consultations with affected communities, unions, and employers to ensure effective implementation. The government expressed its commitment to introducing legislation that reflects the modern needs of the workforce, aligning with the 21st-century landscape.

Minister O'Regan thanked Professor Blackett and the task force, acknowledging their vital contributions. He emphasized the responsibility to translate the report's findings into tangible change, fostering a workplace environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Professor Blackett highlighted the urgency of reforming the law to achieve and sustain employment equity, stating, "Canada has an opportunity to lead by cultivating a legacy of equitable inclusion in flourishing workplaces where we all belong."

In parallel with the work to modernize the act, the government's other initiatives to advance equity and inclusion include the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat and Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan.