2-7 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Flashcards
What is the primary goal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Canada’s workplace?
To create a barrier-free environment where all individuals can explore and develop their career potential, contributing to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity.
Who are the designated groups under the federal Employment Equity Act?
Women
Members of visible minorities
Indigenous Peoples
People with disabilities
What does employment equity mean in a legal and practical sense?
Legally: Justice based on ethics and fairness, reducing rigidity in common law.
Practically: Ensuring equitable workforce representation and redressing past employment discrimination.
What does the Employment Equity Act require of federally regulated organizations?
They must:
Develop plans to better represent designated groups.
Identify and remove systemic barriers to employment.
Establish a timetable to achieve these changes.
How does the Federal Contractors Program promote employment equity?
It requires organizations doing over $1 million in business with the federal government to implement employment equity principles.
What systemic barriers commonly affect visible minorities in employment?
Culturally biased aptitude tests
Lack of recognition of foreign credentials
Excessive language requirements
What are the employment challenges faced by people with disabilities?
Attitudinal barriers
Physical demands unrelated to job requirements
Inadequate access to technical and human support systems
What is an example of a systemic barrier in recruitment, and how can it be addressed?
Barrier: Word-of-mouth recruiting can unintentionally exclude underrepresented groups.
Solution: Use formal job postings targeted to underrepresented groups.
How can training and promotion practices support employment equity?
Ensure training is accessible to all employees.
Communicate promotion opportunities widely and evaluate all employees using consistent criteria.
What benefits do employers gain from employment equity initiatives?
Access to a larger pool of qualified candidates.
Improved workforce diversity and representation.
Better service to diverse populations.
What are examples of industries where women remain underrepresented in Canada?
Mining, oil, and gas (19%)
Construction (14%)
What is the relationship between education and employment for people with disabilities?
People with higher education levels and minor disabilities face fewer barriers compared to those with more severe disabilities or lower education levels.
How has Canada recognized employers advancing employment equity for Indigenous Peoples?
Programs like Canada’s Best Diversity Employers highlight organizations fostering employment opportunities and inclusion for Indigenous communities.
What is the definition of pay equity?
Pay equity is the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, ensuring individuals are not discriminated against based on job content.
When was pay equity introduced into Canadian law, and through which act?
Pay equity became law in 1978 through an amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act.
What is the main focus of pay equity legislation?
To address the gender wage gap by eliminating the historical undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women compared to work traditionally performed by men.
What are the two principles of pay equity?
Equal pay for equal work: Men and women doing substantially the same work for the same employer must receive the same wage unless differences are due to seniority, merit pay, or production-based systems.
Equal pay for work of comparable value: Jobs of comparable value to the organization, regardless of gender dominance, must be paid equally (e.g., nurses and electricians).
