The pursuit of employment equity in Canada has evolved over the years. Decades ago, the battle for equity was largely fought by individual victims of discrimination. Legal action was often the only recourse for those who faced barriers to employment based on their race, gender, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.
However, in the 1980s, a new paradigm emerged in the struggle for workplace equality in Canada. With the publication of the Abella Report in 1984, the idea of employment equity as a transformative process gained traction. The report – formally titled the Report of the Commission on Equality in Employment – emphasized the importance of examining the structural and systemic roots of inequality and advocated for systemic remedies to address these issues.
The Abella Report provided an important foundation for the Employment Equity Act, which was passed in 1986. This legislation established the legal framework for employment equity in Canada and positioned Canada as a policy leader in this area. The legislation has been amended over the years, but its core principles remain the same: promoting equitable representation in the workplace by removing barriers to employment for historically marginalized groups.
Critics have argued that the Employment Equity Act has not achieved its intended goals. Some have pointed to the persistence of inequality in the workplace and have suggested that the act has not been effective in increasing the representation of traditionally marginalized groups. However, proponents of the legislation argue that while progress has been slow, the Employment Equity Act has played a critical role in promoting workplace equality and fairness.
There is no doubt that the issue of workplace equality is complex and multifaceted. The roots of discrimination can be found in many aspects of our culture and society, from conscious and unconscious biases to structural and systemic barriers. Addressing these issues requires a sustained effort to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality.
One important aspect of addressing workplace inequality is the need to recognize and accommodate differences among individuals. The Abella Report recognized that true equality is not about treating everyone the same; rather, it requires addressing discriminatory barriers and accommodating differences to create a level playing field for everyone, regardless of their background or identity.
Accommodating differences requires a nuanced approach. It may involve flexible work arrangements, targeted recruitment and retention strategies, or other measures that allow for the diverse needs of employees to be met. Employers must be willing to recognize the value of diversity and take steps to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Of course, addressing workplace inequality also requires concrete action to remove discriminatory barriers. This may involve changing hiring practices to eliminate bias or implementing accommodations for persons with disabilities, for instance.
“One important aspect of addressing workplace inequality is the need to recognize and accommodate differences among individuals.”
The Employment Equity Act provides a framework for employers to undertake these remedial measures, but it is not a magic solution. It requires sustained effort and commitment to change. Employers must be willing to acknowledge and address the ways in which systemic and structural barriers perpetuate inequality and take steps to dismantle these barriers.
For career professionals, there are impactful ways to contribute to the pursuit of workplace equity. As advocates for jobseekers and employees, career professionals can play a vital role in promoting equitable practices in the organizations they collaborate with. They can advocate for equitable hiring practices with employer partners, encouraging them to implement strategies that promote diversity, inclusion and fairness throughout the recruitment process. Career professionals can also support jobseekers by helping them identify organizations that are actively engaged in equitable recruiting and have created inclusive workplaces. Additionally, career development organizations have an opportunity to inform policy advocacy by sharing insights and recommendations based on their expertise and experiences working with jobseekers and employers.
By actively engaging in these efforts, career professionals can contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive work environment for all individuals. In cases where discrimination is encountered, career professionals can also guide jobseekers to seek assistance from an employment lawyer who specializes in addressing workplace inequality. Achieving workplace equity necessitates a joint effort from all parties involved, including individuals scrutinizing their own biases, organizations acknowledging the benefits of diversity, and policymakers developing a legal framework that fosters fairness and addresses systemic barriers. Through collective efforts, career professionals can influence positive change and contribute to the creation of a workplace that values diversity, ensures equal opportunities, and strives for fairness and justice for all.
The pursuit of workplace equity is a complex and ongoing process. While progress has been slow, the Employment Equity Act has played an important role in promoting workplace equality and fairness in Canada. Creating a truly equitable workplace requires addressing the systemic and structural barriers that perpetuate inequality, as well as accommodating differences among individuals. It requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, and a commitment to change. With sustained effort and a commitment to equity, we can create a workplace that is truly inclusive and equitable for all Canadians.
