UCCB Signs Affirmative Action Agreement
The Province of Nova Scotia and the University College of Cape Breton today signed an affirmative action agreement in a ceremony at the university college campus.
“I commend UCCB for this important initiative,” said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. “I encourage other organizations to follow their lead.”
“If UCCB reflects the diversity of the its surrounding community, then groups may be encouraged to take a second look at what this campus has to offer them,” said Mayann Francis, executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. “That’s good business sense for the university college.”
Affirmative action promotes equality within organizations in the areas of employment and services provided, and in organizational values. The agreement ensures that all persons have equal opportunities in all aspects of employment with the university.
"The University College of Cape Breton campus community reflects the wonderful complexity and cultural mix of a diverse society," said Jacquelyn Scott, president and vice-chancellor. "The signing of the affirmative action agreement is an important step in supporting the continued growth and diversification of our campus community."
In signing the agreement, UCCB sets a long-range goal of developing a workforce, through a combination of recruitment, hiring and training practices, that represents the composition of the general labour market. To ensure the success of this agreement, UCCB will continue to identify and eliminate barriers that may deny equal opportunities to historically under- represented groups -- in particular, persons with disabilities, First Nations/aboriginal people, racially visible people, and women.
“This agreement is an excellent demonstration of UCCB’s commitment to human rights in the workplace,” said James Dewar, chair of the Human Rights Commission. “Affirmative Action agreements foster environments of inclusion, equality, and acceptance. These values are important, as they contribute to healthier workplaces and communities for everyone.”