The intention is certainly not to take any steps backwards. On the contrary, we want to replace an antiquated process, the complaints-based one, with the most forward-thinking of proactive programs.
We must recognize that the forward thinking that they have experimented with in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba has produced results. Their legislation has produced positive results, but it still has...
growing pains when it comes to maintenance of pay equity.
This is exactly what the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act seeks to solve. We want to build on the strength of the programs that have been tried in the provinces so that we can examine pay equity and maintain the gains that have been made in a thorough and proactive way. In that way, we would avoid the situation in Quebec, where a requirement to maintain the program is identified, but not described, so the parties are a little at a loss to say how they are going to maintain the gains they have made under their new legislation.