Evidence of meeting #45 for Status of Women in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was harassment.
A video is available from Parliament.
NDP
The Chair NDP Marie-Claude Morin
Your time has expired, Ms. Bateman. You can send in your request in writing. We will make a note of it and Madam Clerk will follow up.
Conservative
NDP
The Chair NDP Marie-Claude Morin
Thank you.
I now give the floor to Ms. Ashton.
You have five minutes.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB
My question is again for HRSDC. We heard from the Human Rights Commission last week that one of the things we need to see is a culture change, and that it's not enough to have recourse when people come forward with complaints. What's also important is to make sure that we create work environments where these complaints don't take place because sexual harassment doesn't take place.
There was reference to the need for equitable distribution of power within the workplace and to recognize that women in particular have to be in positions of decision-making and power as well.
Are you involved with that kind of work? Do you see a place for that kind of work in what you do?
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
I would tell you that we strive, through our role as legislator and regulator, to create workplaces that are respectful, where trust exists, and that are safe, fair, and equitable in that respect. Everything we do is aligned with that mandate.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB
As a follow-up to that, is there any specific reference to ensuring that women are in positions of decision-making in the workplace?
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
That falls outside the purview of the labour program, so I'm unable to answer specifically.
The Employment Equity Act looks at the fair representation and distribution of the four employment equity groups. I'm sure you're familiar with the act and what it does and doesn't do. That would be something that's covered by the Minister of Labour.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB
Thank you for that.
Wasn't the act for private employers seeking a federal contract, and it was actually repealed in the last number of months? I know you're referencing the general act for public employers, but also in terms of employers who are seeking federal contracts, was that act gotten rid of?
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Do you mean the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act?
Judith Buchanan Manager, Labour Standards, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Are you speaking to the federal contractors program?
October 23rd, 2012 / 9:45 a.m.
Manager, Labour Standards, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Yes. There will be amendments to that under the Employment Equity Act, but that would be a different set of witnesses that you'd need to speak with because we're not responsible for that legislation.
NDP
Sana Hassainia NDP Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC
Thank you.
My first question is for Ms. Cyr or Ms. Buchanan.
What human and financial resources are currently allocated to processing sexual harassment complaints? Do you have any idea? And have these resources changed over the years?
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Are you talking about the amounts of money allocated to that?
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Normally, the word “allocated” has another meaning in the public service. I wanted to make sure that I understood your question.
I will be able to provide specific data for each year later. I would say that there are approximately 80 or 90 inspectors, both for part II, which deals with health and safety in the workplace, and for part III, which deals with labour standards. There are between 80 and 90. I will make sure to follow up on the question concerning the changes over the past five years.
NDP
Director General, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Yes.
NDP
Sana Hassainia NDP Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC
Perfect.
My second question is for Ms. MacPherson.
Good morning, Ms. MacPherson.
What would you say are the current trends within your organization? Given the cuts that various departments are dealing with, do you see a difference in your workplace?
Chairperson, Canada Industrial Relations Board
The cutbacks in the public service really don't affect the work of our board because our board is responsible for the federal private sector. In terms of the nature of cases coming before the board, they tend to be relatively stable. Applications for certification and our duty of fair representation complaints run typically at about 25% of our workload, and that seems to be consistent. I haven't seen any change in that trend.
NDP
The Chair NDP Marie-Claude Morin
This concludes our discussion with the first group of witnesses.
Ms. MacPherson, Ms. Cyr and Ms. Buchanan, thank you very much. It was a pleasure to have this discussion with you.
