The Ontario government is moving forward on a number of steps to close the gender wage gap, including providing employers with training materials on anti-discrimination and developing other education products for employees.
The recommendations, which were part of the Gender Wage Gap Steering Committee’s final report, include:
- Increasing income transparency in Ontario’s public service by making salary data publicly available by gender;
- Requiring gender-based analysis in the government policy process; and
- Appointing an associate minister of education, responsible for early years and child care to build a system of affordable, accessible and high-quality early years and child-care programs.
In addition to these recommendations, the report also proposed further consultation to develop a practical cross-government strategy to tackle the gender wage gap.
Read: Employers integral to closing gender wage gap: report
The committee had published a summary report in April that emphasized the need for flexible work environments and family-friendly policies, among other things.
“Building on the progress we’ve already made, we know we can take action to improve women’s economic opportunities and break down barriers that prevent full participation by women in the labour force,” said Ontario Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn. “When we create the opportunity for women to have economic security, we create prosperity for all workers and their families.”
“Despite our participation in all parts of the workforce, there are still barriers that prevent women from achieving their economic potential,” said Tracy MacCharles, the minister responsible for women’s issues.
“When we are all treated equitably, we all benefit. I am pleased to receive these recommendations and look forward to continuing to work with our partners to develop a strategy that moves our province toward a more fair society.”
Read: Canada edges out U.S. for labour force participation by women: StatsCan
Read the full report here.