Fair Hiring and Affirmative Action Policies
The Nova Scotia government is asking for public input into its hiring and affirmative action policies.
The province's fair hiring and affirmative action policies, which are both more than five-years old, are being reviewed by the Public Service Commission. The review includes more than 50 focus groups with government employees and various community groups from across the province.
"Establishing the public service as a preferred employer and one that represents the diverse communities we serve, starts with the hiring process," said Human Resource Minister Ernest Fage. "That's why we are seeking input from Nova Scotians and other stakeholders to ensure our policies and actions promote fair and equitable hiring."
Members of the public are encouraged to share their ideas about how these policies can be improved by visiting www.gov.ns.ca/careers (click on public input survey) , or submitting written comments to Public Service Commission at Strategic Support Services, PSC, P.O. Box 943, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2V9.
The current Fair Hiring Policy, which was implemented in May 2000, is intended to ensure openness and transparency, and that hiring within government is fair and based on merit.
The Affirmative Action Policy, which was implemented in March 2001, is meant to promote equity in the workforce and to eliminate any systemic barriers to employment. It is also intended to support the principles of equity and diversity by providing a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity in all its forms, and is truly reflective of the communities it serves.
Mr. Fage said, "We are eager to reach out to under-represented communities to talk about how we can strengthen our policies for the betterment of government and the people of Nova Scotia."
The Public Service Commission is collecting research and stakeholder input during September and October. The policies will be revised over the winter.
The policy review is one item under the government's Corporate Human Resource Plan (2005-2010), which makes a commitment to fair hiring and establishing a diverse workforce.
Other activities underway to support consistent hiring practices across government include the development of standards and guides for recruitment and selection, training for managers, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the hiring process.
The provincial diversity management office also works on a variety of programs including a diversity talent pool, an accommodation fund for employees, corporate training, and advising departments on their affirmative action plans. Much of this work is directed by a diversity round table forum, with membership from key government departments and stakeholder agencies.