Posted on 11 June 2009
OTTAWA (June 11, 2009) – Today, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights tabled its report on the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act and has made three recommendations to the Government of Canada which the committee believes will improve the effectiveness of the new equitable compensation system under the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act (PSECA).
The committee recommends that the government create a mechanism to allow for consultation in the development of the PSECA regulations and for a follow-up period of three years. The committee also recommends that the Government of Canada consult with stakeholders to investigate what can be offered in the way of legal assistance funding for individuals who are unable to approach their union for assistance with a pay-equity complaint. Additionally, the committee suggests the federal government ensure adequate funding and resources for pay equity assessments and job classification.
“The committee is engaged in an ongoing study examining discrimination in hiring and promotional practices in the Public Service,” says Senator Raynell Andreychuk, Chair of the committee. “We will use our current mandate to continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new equitable compensation system under the PSECA.”
“The committee intends to hold further hearings to monitor the implementation of the PSECA and the formation of the regulations,” says Senator Mobina Jaffer, Deputy Chair of the committee. “It also intends to keep an eye on whether effective consultations with stakeholders are carried out.”
On 12 March 2009, a motion was adopted in the Senate referring elements of the new Budget Implementation Act, 2009, dealing with equitable compensation to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights for study. As required by the motion, the committee’s study was reported back to the Senate by 11 June 2009.
For more information on the Committee, please visit: http://senate-senat.ca/RIGHTS-DROITS.asp