Canada continues efforts to eliminate workplace violence and harassment, promote equality in meetings with international partners at 2018 International Labour Conference
GATINEAU, QC, June 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, wrapped up her visit to Geneva, Switzerland, where she strengthened bilateral relationships with our international partners. While there, the Minister discussed Canada's continued efforts to support equality and inclusion, including working to eliminate workplace violence and harassment and promoting workers' rights globally.
Minister Hajdu arrived in Geneva on June 5 where she represented Canada at the annual conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN agency that sets international labour standards and promotes decent work. While there, the Minister discussed violence and harassment in the world of work, building a workforce for the future with diversity, equality and inclusion, and Canada's progressive approach to trade and labour in a series of meetings with ILO officials, bilateral partners and employer and worker stakeholders.
On June 6, Minister Hajdu delivered a speech to the plenary of the International Labour Conference about ?how Canada is addressing workplace violence and harassment, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. Domestically, the government is taking action with Bill C-65 ? legislation aimed at eliminating these behaviours in federally regulated and parliamentary workplaces. On the international stage, Canada is chairing the discussions to develop new ILO standards on the prevention of workplace violence and harassment.
Later that day, the Minister presented remarks at the Fifth Annual International Organization of Employers Forum, where she highlighted what Canada is doing to promote gender equality and diversity at work, and support good quality jobs. Actions being taken by the Government include moving forward on proactive pay equity legislation this fall, introducing new pay transparency requirements and modernizing federal labour standards. She also met with representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation to discuss Canada's commitment to women's empowerment at home and around the world.
Finally, the Minister attended a G20 Ministers' working dinner, and participated in a panel discussion to discuss the Canadian government's commitment to helping Colombia improve working conditions by promoting respect for internationally recognized labour rights and principles. This commitment is exemplified by the recently signed 2018-2021 Action Plan under the Canada-Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation. The Minister also had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, Director General at the World Trade Organization, to discuss how progressive trade that promotes positive working conditions can drive inclusive economic growth.
On June 7, Minister Hajdu participated in an armchair discussion on women's empowerment to discuss Bill C-65 and Canada's long-standing commitment to reducing global inequality and extreme poverty among the most vulnerable, particularly women and girls.
Quote
"When we prioritize equality and inclusion, the rights of workers, and eliminating workplace violence and harassment, we are creating concrete change that drives economic growth. Fighting for more inclusive and fair workplaces isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. I am proud to be working with our international partners to ensure all of our citizens have a real fair chance at success."
? The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Quick Facts
- Bill C-65 was introduced by the Government of Canada in November 2017 to take action against violence and harassment in Parliament and in federally-regulated workplaces. The tabled legislation will strengthen provisions in the Canada Labour Code by putting into place one comprehensive approach that takes the full spectrum of harassment and violence into consideration. The framework will:
- PREVENT incidents of harassment and violence;
- RESPOND effectively to these incidents when they do occur; and
- SUPPORT affected employees
- In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada announced that this year it will introduce proactive pay equity legislation for workers in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to reducing the portion of the gender wage gap that is due to the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
- Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes investing $3 million over five years to support pay transparency requirements in federally regulated sectors. This will help to highlight those employers who model equitable pay practices, as well as hold employers accountable for wage gaps that affect women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.
- The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and its parallel Agreement on Labour Cooperation entered into force in 2011. A three-year action plan was signed in May 2018 by the Ministers of Labour of Colombia and Canada. The Action Plan includes concrete and targeted actions aimed at improving the labour situation in Colombia.
Associated Links
Government of Canada takes strong action against harassment and sexual violence at work
Budget 2018: historic pay equity legislation will help close gender wage gap
Canada-Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation
Publication of the 2018-2021 Action Plan under the Canada?Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
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