Updates from the Pay Equity Unit of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
In June of this year, Lori Straznicky was appointed as Pay Equity Commissioner for a term of five years. She is enthusiastic about continuing to work with federally regulated employers who are leading the way in making pay equity a reality for women in Canada.
The gender wage gap remains a persistent issue in Canada, and it is imperative that we confront it head-on. In 2022, women over 15 years of age were still earning, on average, 0.87 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts.
Along with Commissioner Straznicky, the Pay Equity Unit reaffirms its unwavering support for both international and Canadian endeavors aimed at accelerating the pace of closing the gender pay gap and achieving true equal pay.
On International Equal Pay Day on September 18, 2023, various country representatives made pledges to advance the cause of equal pay. On that day, we reiterated that during the period spanning from 2023 to 2026, we pledge to further the objective of Canada’s Pay Equity Act, which aims to proactively redress gender-based discrimination in the pay practices and systems of employers. To this end, we commit to:
1. Continued participation with EPIC members to make concrete and coordinated progress towards the vision of equal pay for work of equal value in all countries and sectors.
2. Enforce compliance with pay equity requirements through the measures outlined in the Act.
3. Facilitate compliance by helping workplace parties address disputes early on in the process or by providing timely decisions in cases where they cannot be resolved; and,.
4. Create resources to build knowledge that helps workplace parties learn about their rights and obligations.
Together, we can move closer to a world where equal pay is not just a pledge but a tangible reality for all.
We invite you to read our latest Newsletter for complete updates on our latest initiatives.
Canadian Human Rights Commission
To learn about the work of the Pay Equity Unit of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, read our Pay Equity Newsletter attached below.