Mr. Brown, as I mentioned earlier, we noted that groups did not agree on the approach to take with respect to pay equity. Some preferred that we use the Ontario model, others, the Quebec model, and still others preferred what was suggested in the Bilson Report, which contained 113 recommendations.
We analyzed all this material and concluded that as a minority government, this was not the right time to amend the legislation. What is important is ensuring that women's issues do move forward and that we are proactive in promoting pay equity. Because section 8 of the Canadian Human Rights Act advocates equal pay for work of equal value, we felt we should focus on enforcing that legislation.
We have 90 employees—inspectors—who go out and visit companies. Previously, they were not involved in this and didn't ask questions about pay equity. But now, they will. They will be asking contractors whether they are implementing pay equity measures in their company, whether they have considered the fact that the Canadian Human Rights Act requires them to move in that direction. They will be informing them, advising them and giving them the necessary tools to move forward and negotiate with their employees, in order to make pay equity a reality in their company. We believe that by taking this kind of proactive approach, we will all be winners and people will now be able to move forward and do what has to be done. If a contractor is acting in bad faith, of course, inspectors will be responsible for informing the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which will be in a position to carry out a much more serious investigation, possibly leading to sanctions. That decision would be for the Canadian Human Rights Commission to make.
I note that no one has asked any questions about pay equity in the House of Commons. That is probably because members of the Opposition have realized that this makes sense and don't dare ask us questions about it. It's been quite a while now. Normally, the Opposition's role is to question the Minister about the major issues, but there have been no questions on this in the House of Commons.