Concerning the cost of pay equity, the studies that have been done up till now in Ontario and Quebec show that the cost of this for private sector employers does not exceed 1.5% of payroll, which is entirely reasonable.
Now, regarding other countries, I would say that those that are closest to having proactive legislation are Sweden, which has quite a broad approach, as well as Switzerland, at the federal level. Switzerland has programs in effect at the confederation level, and businesses that receive federal contracts must practice pay equity. In that country, this involves businesses that receive federal contracts.
Last December I was in Berlin for a conference that brought together people from Germany, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Germany is considering a law that would be inspired from the proactive laws in Quebec. In the United Kingdom as well, there are studies being done to introduce similar legislation. Discussions are being held on this. Sweden is in the process of improving its pay equity legislation.
I don't know if that answers your question.