Thank you very much for the congratulations. I'm very much enjoying the portfolio and I'm enjoying the discussions that I've had, not only with you, Ms. Minna, but with the other critics as well.
With respect to the Employment Equity Act review, you asked about the current status. A motion was adopted on April 22, 2009, referring the review of the Employment Equity Act to the House standing committee on human resources. That would be this committee. Because the committee didn't deal with the motion prior to prorogation in January, a new referral motion will be required.
As you indicated, the Employment Equity Act contains a requirement for review every five years by a committee of the House of Commons. The assessment of advances in employment equity in the federal jurisdiction, presented each year in my annual report to Parliament, has demonstrated, however, that there's been progress in all four of the designated groups that I mentioned in my speech.
Since 1987 representation of aboriginal peoples has more than doubled and particular improvements are seen in the representation in crafts and trade supervisory occupations. Since 1987 representations of visible minorities in the federal jurisdiction has tripled and their representation has increased in all occupational groups since 2001.
As has been noted in the press, actually, in the last two days, before the creation of the Employment Equity Act, women accounted for only 5% of executive jobs in the public service. Now they're at 43% of executive positions.
I think these are wonderful accomplishments.
Just to finish, persons with disabilities, they're represented in private sector senior management and supervisory positions. The banking sector in particular has made some striking gains, including for persons with disabilities.
But in the interim, to answer the question on the review, the next annual report, to be tabled in Parliament in June, will report on progress for 2008.