Employment equity
INFORMATION SHEET
A printable PDF version of this information sheet is available.
What is employment equity?
- A comprehensive plan or process to compensate for employment disadvantages experienced by some groups, among them women, people with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal people and older workers.
- The elimination of barriers to the employment and promotion of members of these groups.
- The steps taken to accommodate members of disadvantaged groups and to give them equal opportunity in the workplace.
The goal of employment equity
- Creation of a level playing field in the workplace and equal opportunity for everyone in society.
- Reduction or removal of barriers in the workplace that accidentally or intentionally prevent some people from getting a job or a promotion.
- Assist all sectors of the Alberta economy, through employment equity, to remain competitive in an increasingly diverse global marketplace.
Equal and fair treatment
Employment equity is not only about fairness and leveling the playing field. It also helps attract and keep, excellent employees who may otherwise be overlooked or avoided.
Equal treatment is not always the same as fair treatment. For example, a blind computer operator could not normally compete with other, sighted operators. However, the blind operator could display his/her skills, abilities and potential if supplied with a voice-operated computer or a Braille keyboard.
Employment equity encourages employers to take advantage of the talents, skills and innovation that a more diverse workforce can offer.
Supporting employment equity
Through provision of consulting and education services, the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission supports the development and creation of employment equity policies and programs.
Please note: A complaint must be made to the Alberta Human Rights Commission within one year after the alleged incident of discrimination. The one-year period starts the day after the date on which the incident occurred. For help calculating the one-year period, contact the Commission.
March 2007
Due to confidentiality concerns, the Commission cannot reply to complaints of discrimination using the Internet. Please contact the Commission by telephone or regular mail if you have a specific complaint.
You can access information about making FOIP requests for records held by the Commission on our Contact us page.
The Commission will make publications available in accessible multiple formats upon request. Multiple formats provide access for people with disabilities who do not read conventional print.
