National Employment Equity Forum

About the Forum

The National Employment Equity Forum will bring together leaders from government, labour, human rights, academia, employers and community organizations for a national conversation on the future of employment equity in Canada.

Marking 40 years since the Employment Equity Act was passed by Parliament, the Forum will provide a national platform to recognize progress, examine persistent barriers and consider the future of employment equity as Canada moves toward modernization of the Act.

Through dialogue across sectors and communities, the Forum will help identify shared priorities and support continued action to strengthen employment equity for current and future generations.

Celebrating 40 Years

For 40 years, the Employment Equity Act has played an important role in addressing systemic barriers and improving representation in federally regulated workplaces.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize the people, organizations and institutions that helped advance employment equity in Canada, while considering how the framework must continue to evolve in response to changing workplaces and the experiences of historically underrepresented workers.

The Forum will honour this history while looking ahead to the next chapter of employment equity in Canada.

Modernizing the Employment Equity Act

The Forum will provide a national platform for discussion on the modernization of the Employment Equity Act and the future of employment equity policy in Canada.

Discussions will consider the recommendations of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, including proposed changes to designated groups, strengthened accountability and oversight, improved data collection and transparency, and measures to address persistent systemic barriers.

The Forum will also provide an opportunity to hear perspectives from workers, unions, employers, academics, human rights organizations, community leaders and public institutions on building a modern employment equity framework.

Program

The program will include remarks, presentations and moderated discussions with parliamentarians, government representatives, labour leaders, human rights advocates, academics, workers and community leaders. Sessions will address the history of employment equity, the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force report, current developments and priorities for modernization. The full program and confirmed speakers will be posted as they become available.

Attendance

The National Employment Equity Forum will take place in person at the Wellington Building, Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa.

Due to limited seating, in-person attendance is by invitation. A hybrid option will be available to allow individuals and organizations across Canada to participate virtually. Additional information for confirmed guests and virtual participants will be provided before the Forum.

In-person attendance: By invitation only. Guests attending in person should allow at least 30 minutes for security screening when entering the Parliamentary Precinct.

Patron

The Forum is held under the patronage of the Honourable Jean Augustine, P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E., Patron of the National Employment Equity Council. A former federal Cabinet Minister and the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, the Honourable Jean Augustine has made longstanding contributions to public service, human rights and employment equity in Canada.

Parliamentary Sponsors

The Forum is sponsored in Parliament by Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells and Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard.

Accessibility

Guests requiring accessibility accommodations are asked to identify their requirements when confirming attendance or contact the Forum Secretariat in advance.

Updates and Inquiries

Program information, speaker announcements and virtual participation details will be posted as they are confirmed.