Ontario, Canada's first province, to introduce pay transparency legislation

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne had introduced Ontario's Strategy for Women's Economic Empowerment and Legislation last week to increase pay transparency.

This strategy will receive up to $50 million in funding over three years.

According to official reports, the gender wage gap in Ontario remained stagnant over the last decade, with women earning around 30 per cent less than men.

“It’s been more than 30 years since Ontario first passed pay equity legislation, but we are still working to close the gap," said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. "We know that too many women still face systemic barriers to economic advancement. When women face increased harassment, violence, poverty and discrimination, it hurts our society and our economy. It’s time for change."

"Then Now Next: Ontario’s Strategy for Women’s Economic Empowerment shines a spotlight on compensation and improves conditions for everyone in Ontario applying for a job. Thanks to this first-of-its-kind strategy, we’re building a fairer, more dynamic, forward-thinking and prosperous Ontario — for everyone,”  Wynne said.

By improving gender equality in workplaces and society, the reports said, could add as much as $60 billion to Ontario’s Gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade.

“Equality is the hallmark of a fair and just Ontario, yet equality is still out of reach for many women, especially racialized, Indigenous and newcomer women. Ontario is changing that by being a leader in Canada and investing in women’s futures at all economic levels,” said Harinder Malhi, Ontario Minister of the Status of Women.

This issue of pay transparency requires some employers in their organizations to both track and publish information about compensation, reports said.

Ontario government's proposed multifaceted strategy, including more transparent hiring processes, is expected to remove long-standing barriers that prevented women from benefiting equally in Ontario's rapidly changing economy.

“By taking immediate and meaningful steps, Ontario stands out as a true leader when it comes to ending income inequality. Our government is committed to breaking down barriers to employment, closing the gender wage gap and helping to support all women in the economy,” said Kevin Flynn, Ontario Minister of Labour.

It is reported that if this legislation is passed, job candidates  will receive protection with compensation based both on job's requirements and the candidate's qualifications.

All public job postings advertisements will  include a salary rate or range, and job candidates will not be asked about their past compensation.

Once these measures are fully implemented employers would be required to publicly post that data within their own workplaces as well as report them to the province, reports said.

The strategy, according to media reports, will also promote enhanced parental benefit entitlements; provide skills training to women including immigrant, those racialized and  women experiencing violence; promote women in corporate leadership; support women entrepreneurs and creating the Ontario Women's Entrepreneurship Association; launch a social awareness campaign to promote gender equality at work, at home and in communities, among other things.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Images:  sourced from Facebook