Equal Pay Program
Program Objective
The Labour Program’s objective is to eliminate sex-based wage discrimination in the federal jurisdiction.
Program Overview
Employers are responsible for implementing equal pay. The Labour Program believes that employers should be given an opportunity to understand the legislation. They should also be given sufficient time to implement pay equity plans prior to being inspected for compliance. The Labour Program has identified the following three-step process in order to determine employer compliance and to respond to non-compliance.
Step 1: EDUCATION
The first step is an educational visit. It is intended to inform federal jurisdiction employers of their obligations with respect to the equal pay legislation and to advise them of the means to fulfill these obligations.
Step 2: MONITORING
The second step is a monitoring visit to these same employers to answer technical questions, to verify the employer’s progress on implementation, and to obtain general information. Monitoring visits will be conducted throughout the implementation process.
Step 3: AUDIT OR INSPECTION
The final step is an on-site inspection. On-site audits are arranged with employers who report that they have fully implemented an equal pay program. When employers have not taken any action to review their compensation system for gender discrimination, the Labour Program can schedule an inspection. If the inspector identifies reasonable grounds for believing that gender-based wage discrimination exists, then the case may be referred to the Canadian Human Rights Commission for investigation and resolution.
For more information on this program, consult the following links:
Canadian Human Rights Commission