Statement made on 06 June 2012 by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette
Hon. Céline Hervieux-Payette:
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government.
Madam leader, clause 602 of omnibus Bill C-38 deletes a section of the Employment Equity Act that required contractors to comply with employment equity under the Federal Contractors Program. This measure will adversely affect access to employment for women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
The government is abandoning those who face the most discrimination in our society, because businesses are no longer required to be civic-minded. The government no longer feels compelled to deliver social justice. In my opinion, the government's guiding ethic is every man for himself and God for us all.
How can the minister justify such a regressive, archaic and senseless decision that will throw away 25 years of economic and social progress?
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