Ontario Federation of Labour supports call for Harper to Stop the Attack on Federal Employment Equity Program
(TORONTO) -- The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and its affiliates added its voices to the Colour of Poverty Campaign’s open letter to Stephen Harper to call off the attack on the Federal Employment Equity Program by members of his Cabinet.
The open letter by the Colour of Poverty Campaign (COPC) has been endorsed by over 100 community and labour organizations, businesses and individuals across Canada who firmly believes that all Canadians have the right to barrier-free employment without prejudice or discrimination.
“We know for a fact that hiring practices are still discriminatory. Employment Equity programs ensure the removal of systemic barriers and provided a fair opportunity for equity-seeking groups to access jobs. Employment Equity programs are needed federally, provincially and municipally,” says Sid Ryan OFL President.
In the latest report from the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (June 16, 2010) low representation rates for visible minorities appear to indicate that visible minorities continue to be under-represented in the public service. “If this is a fact, how can comments from Stockwell Day and Jason Kinney be qualified or accurate,” asked Terry Downey, OFL Vice-President.
The Ontario Federation and its 1,000,000 members stand by the Colour of Poverty Campaign and all other endorsers of the open letter. We are asking the Prime Minister to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to equity by strengthening the employment equity measures rather than dismantling it.
We hope this government is serious about two things: enhancing its human rights leadership role internationally and confirming its commitment to better meet it human rights obligations at home.
We encourage the Prime Minster to set up a meeting as soon as possible with the Colour of Poverty Steering Committee and some of their allies to address their concerns.
Individuals and organizations can endorse the open letter by visiting http://www.equityaction.ca
Open Letter
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The open letter by the Colour of Poverty Campaign (COPC) has been endorsed by over 100 community and labour organizations, businesses and individuals across Canada who firmly believes that all Canadians have the right to barrier-free employment without prejudice or discrimination.
“We know for a fact that hiring practices are still discriminatory. Employment Equity programs ensure the removal of systemic barriers and provided a fair opportunity for equity-seeking groups to access jobs. Employment Equity programs are needed federally, provincially and municipally,” says Sid Ryan OFL President.
In the latest report from the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (June 16, 2010) low representation rates for visible minorities appear to indicate that visible minorities continue to be under-represented in the public service. “If this is a fact, how can comments from Stockwell Day and Jason Kinney be qualified or accurate,” asked Terry Downey, OFL Vice-President.
The Ontario Federation and its 1,000,000 members stand by the Colour of Poverty Campaign and all other endorsers of the open letter. We are asking the Prime Minister to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to equity by strengthening the employment equity measures rather than dismantling it.
We hope this government is serious about two things: enhancing its human rights leadership role internationally and confirming its commitment to better meet it human rights obligations at home.
We encourage the Prime Minster to set up a meeting as soon as possible with the Colour of Poverty Steering Committee and some of their allies to address their concerns.
Individuals and organizations can endorse the open letter by visiting http://www.equityaction.ca
Open Letter
For More Information:
Patrick (Sid) Ryan, President
p: 416.441.2731 | m: 416.209.0066 | f: 416.441.0722
Toll-free: 1-800-668-9138
Terry Downey
Executive Vice-President, p: 416.578.3230 (mobile)
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