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ARTICLE · 08 JANUARY 2024

Federal Government Considers Recommended Changes To Employment Equity Act

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In 2021, the federal government appointed a task force to advise on how to modernize and strengthen the federal Employment Equity Act (the "Act").

CanadaEmployment and HR
Shane Todd
Shane Todd
Grace McDonell
Grace McDonell
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In 2021, the federal government appointed a task force to advise on how to modernize and strengthen the federal Employment Equity Act (the "Act").

The Act first came into force in 1986 and was significantly revised in 1995. The Act's stated purpose is to "achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability" and "to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities."1 These four groups - women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities - are currently the designated groups that the Act seeks to promote through equitable representation.

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