Affirmative Action Agreement Signed

A Halifax shelter for abused women and their children is committing itself to continuing the campaign against workplace discrimination.

Officials at Bryony House signed an affirmative action agreement today, Dec. 3, with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

"Bryony House is a crucial link in the network of supports for the victims of abuse in our community," said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. "They play a key role in educating the public about the negative affects of violence against women and children. I am honoured to be here today to acknowledge yet another example of their commitment to their community."

The affirmative action agreement commits staff and officials at Bryony House to identifying and eliminating barriers that may deny equal employment opportunities to women, visible minorities, aboriginal people and people with disabilities.

"Bryony House's commitment to building an inclusive and healthy workplace sends an important message to other organizations about the need to play a role in the promotion of opportunity and respect for all Nova Scotians," said commission chair James Dewar.

It is the second time officials at Bryony House have signed an affirmative action agreement. The shelter's original five-year agreement expired this fall but agency officials knew it was important to their clients that it be renewed.

"Bryony House recognizes that the benefits of affirmative action mean not only a more representative workforce but an improvement in services for women leaving abusive situations," said Cathy Love, director of Bryony House.

The affirmative action agreement also ensures continued efforts to provide outreach services and programs to under-represented groups and to ensure that all hiring, training, development and work assignments at Bryony House comply with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission currently has affirmative action agreements with 30 private and public sector groups in the province.

"Truly successful companies and communities are only possible when workforces are free of discrimination," said Mayann Francis, CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "Affirmative action agreements help private and public sector organizations work from the top down to ensure that they promote equality in hiring, training and in all the every day policies and procedures that make up our workdays."