Commission Launches Employment Equity Partnership
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is partnering with a number of agencies and organizations to promote equity, inclusion and diversity in the workforce.
The commission introduced a new Employment Equity Partnership project today, May 1.
The initiative will work to create policy to replace affirmative action agreements and address barriers faced by some members of the workforce. It will also aim to create more discussion with employers, researchers and communities across the province about employment equity issues.
"The government of Nova Scotia is committed to employment equity and this partnership, with so many diverse organizations and communities, is a positive step toward realizing that goal," said Cecil Clarke, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. "I commend the Human Rights Commission for their work in bringing the partnership to a reality."
The commission has 36 affirmative action agreements in the province. These agreements will be held inactive as the new Employment Equity Partnership is developed.
"Human rights are a shared responsibility of government, communities and individuals," said Krista Daley, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "Through public engagement we can reduce discrimination and work towards our goal of achieving equitable access to opportunities and services for every individual."
The Employment Equity Partnership project will be supported by the Town of Truro acting as a pilot group.
The initiative also consists of an advisory panel made up of representatives from: Native Council of Nova Scotia; Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association; Dalhousie School of Public Administration; Nova Scotia Public Service Commission; Halifax Regional Municipality; Nova Scotia Barristers' Society; Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development; Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Nova Scotia Disabled Persons' Commission; Saint Mary's University Students' Association; Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association; Nova Scotia Acadian Affairs; Black Business Initiative; and Bell Aliant.