Posted on 16 June 2009
Ottawa (June 16, 2009) – The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights is pleased to learn efforts by senior leadership to build a diverse and inclusive workplace at the Department of Justice are being intensified.
As part of an ongoing study into equitable hiring and promotion practices in the Canadian Public Service, the committee heard from Department of Justice officials last week, including Mr. John Sims, Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General of Canada.
Mr. Sims informed Senators that efforts to improve equitable practices have been intensified since his last appearance before the committee in December 2007.
“We are devoting enormous energy, focus and senior level leadership to making the Department of Justice diverse, welcoming and equitable, but it did not start 12 months ago, said Mr. Sims. “We need to be sensitive to other values, other perspectives, and to find a way to encourage all people who want to work in the department to bring what they can and contribute to the solution of problems and the bringing of fresh ideas and perspectives. That is what I am trying to get at.”
In his presentation, Mr. Sims outlined both quantitative and qualitative actions aimed at achieving employment equity targets in the department.
“For some time now, our committee has studied issues of equitable hiring and promotion practices in the Canadian Public Service. Incremental policy change can lead to meaningful workplace transformation in the long term. But change can only occur when senior leadership are engaged in the process and actively embrace a diversity of perspectives and experiences,” said Senator Raynell Andreychuk, Chair of the committee.
“As Mr. Sims pointed out during his presentation to the committee, strong leadership is essential for culture change in any workplace. Our ongoing study on equitable hiring and promotion practices has underscored the importance of departmental leadership who are committed to ensuring their departments reflect the diversity of Canada’s population, not only in entry-level positions, but also in the senior ranks,” said Senator Mobina Jaffer, Deputy Chair of the committee.
To find out more about the work of the committee and to view previously tabled reports, please visit: http://senate-senat.ca/RIGHTS-DROITS.asp