OTTAWA, March 31, 2003 -The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Martin Cauchon, and the Minister of Labour, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, today announced the Pay Equity Task Force will be given additional time to complete its comprehensive review of Canada's federal pay equity legislation.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to pay equity, the Government of Canada is helping to ensure the Task Force can complete its work in a manner that produces meaningful results," said Minister Cauchon. "We look forward to receiving recommendations that will provide clarity on how pay equity should be implemented in current Canadian society."

"The federal government's position on pay equity is clear. We must ensure that employers understand pay equity and respect the fundamental rights of individuals," said Minister Bradshaw. "As the Task Force continues to finalize its work, I am confident that it will bring us closer to meeting our objectives."

The Task Force is currently reviewing section 11 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, as well as the Equal Wages Guidelines, 1986. Section 11 of the Canadian Human Rights Act makes it a discriminatory practice to pay men and women differently for performing work of equal value. The section has not been amended or subjected to a comprehensive review since receiving Royal Assent in 1977.

The Task Force, as part of its mandate, has been reviewing and analyzing pay equity models and experiences in the provinces and territories, as well as other relevant international practices. The Task Force has been conducting its review in close consultation with interested parties across the country, including both governmental and non-governmental groups. It is now preparing its report and recommendations to improve the legislative framework for dealing with pay equity matters.

In response to a request by the Task Force, the Ministers of Justice and Labour have approved an extension of the Task Force's mandate until the end of June 2003.

For more information on the Pay Equity Task Force visit: http://www.payequityreview.gc.ca

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Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
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Mike Murphy
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Minister Cauchon's Office
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Scott Naugler
Office of the Minister of Labour
(819) 953-5646