National Employment Equity Forum

The National Employment Equity Council (NEC) is proud to convene the National Employment Equity Forum in the Parliamentary Precinct on September 24, 2026, bringing together parliamentarians, government officials, labour and human rights leaders, employers, academics and community organizations at an important moment for employment equity in Canada.

The Forum marks 40 years since the Employment Equity Act was passed by Parliament and comes as Canada considers the modernization of the federal employment equity framework. It will celebrate four decades of progress, recognize those who have helped advance employment equity, and examine the reforms needed for the next generation of Canadian workplaces.

Under the patronage of the Honourable Jean Augustine, P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E., and sponsored in Parliament by Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells and Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, the Forum will include national discussions on the recommendations of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, implementation, accountability and the future of employment equity in Canada.

Please note that in-person attendance at the Forum is by invitation only. Only guests who have received an official invitation from the National Employment Equity Council will receive confirmation of their RSVP. If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend in person, please contact forum@nec-cne.ca to request an official invitation. If you have been invited but are unable to attend, you may designate someone to attend on your behalf.

A hybrid option will also be available for those who wish to participate virtually. Virtual participation details will be provided in advance of the Forum.

Guests requiring accessibility accommodations are asked to identify their requirements when confirming attendance or contact the Forum Secretariat in advance at forum@nec-cne.ca