Does Canada have "affirmative action"? (employment, school)

[markovian process]

Affirmative action - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I've been unclear from reading stuff whether or not Canada has affirmative action but the Wikipedia says that gender, race and disability can be taken into account for things like hiring, and college admission.

[Acajack]

Yes we do.

It's called "employment equity" and usually exists in basically every level of public employment from the federal and provincial and municipal governments to school boards, police, fire departments, etc.

The groups involved are generally women, visible minorities (ie anyone who is not considered white), aboriginals and persons with disabilities.

[lexdiamondz1902]

Originally Posted by fudgeoff

Not really. There's not too many 'black' people in Canada to begin with.

You do realise that when taking gender into account, the biggest beneficiaries of Affirmative Action are White women, who generally date and marry White men? Meaning that ultimately, affirmative action results in greater financial opportunities for White families as a whole?

[sandman249]

I believe this post stems from the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has upheld a Michigan ban on affirmative action in higher education.

I think all Canadian universities practice some form of affirmative action. I know that University of Toronto, Canada's largest university, gives some admission preferences based on gender, aboriginal status, minority status, and even family income/ background.

[Natnasci]

"Purpose of Act

2. The purpose of this Act is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfilment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities by giving effect to the principle that employment equity means more than treating persons in the same way but also requires special measures and the accommodation of differences."

The part about " to correct conditions of disadvantage " means what? I don't believe there are quota's etc. I have never heard of a company being forced to choose a woman over a man with equal qualifications. I'm assuming this act is for redress, rather than hiring practices??

Edit: That's not to say business, etc don't do it because of awareness of the act.
Anyone????

[sandman249]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

"Purpose of Act

2. The purpose of this Act is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfilment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities by giving effect to the principle that employment equity means more than treating persons in the same way but also requires special measures and the accommodation of differences."

The part about " to correct conditions of disadvantage " means what? I don't believe there are quota's etc. I have never heard of a company being forced to choose a woman over a man with equal qualifications. I'm assuming this act is for redress, rather than hiring practices??

Edit: That's not to say business, etc don't do it because of awareness of the act.
Anyone????

For example take: ....conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women ....

Conditions of disadvantage could be a result of:
(1) historic discrimination: e.g. women were not allowed to attend universities till 1880
(2) current discrimination: e.g. the belief that hiring women (vs men) may hurt the company financially

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by sandman249

For example take: ....conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women ....

Conditions of disadvantage could be a result of:
(1) historic discrimination: e.g. women were not allowed to attend universities till 1880
(2) current discrimination: e.g. the belief that hiring women (vs men) may hurt the company financially

Yes I understand that bit. My question is about the power of enforcement PRIOR to hiring. Are there quota's? Do companies and organizations have to have a minimum amount of minorities etc.

Or, is this act intended for people who feel they have been wronged in a hiring process?

[pdw]

I don't understand the opposition to employment equity. Certain minority groups are at a clear societal disadvantage, and our government more often than not throws their communities under the bus. We should be doing more to eliminate the causes of this inequality, and this is one of the best ways.

[sandman249]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

Yes I understand that bit. My question is about the power of enforcement PRIOR to hiring. Are there quota's? Do companies and organizations have to have a minimum amount of minorities etc.

Or, is this act intended for people who feel they have been wronged in a hiring process?

I am not aware of any quotas.

There are recommendations for employment equality that companies are asked to follow.

[sandman249]

Originally Posted by pdw

I don't understand the opposition to employment equity. Certain minority groups are at a clear societal disadvantage, and our government more often than not throws their communities under the bus. We should be doing more to eliminate the causes of this inequality, and this is one of the best ways.

Much of the arguments against "employment equity" say that it is an outdated policy and not applicable in the modern world.

In modern Canada, should a woman be really be hired over an equally qualified man, based purely on gender?

Should you receive preferences because you are 1/4th aboriginal or of some minority race?

Should a second generation immigrant student be admitted to medical school over an equally qualified white male ..... only because of family history and race?

..... it is not all black and white .....