'Barriers remain that prevent women and our economy from reaching full potential'
The formation of a working group aimed at closing the gender wage gap was announced in Ontario Thursday — the 30th anniversary of the province’s Pay Equity Act.
Labour Minister Kevin Flynn said the group includes 14 organizations and two community members representing business, labour, human resources and women’s advocacy, and will serve to advise the provincial government on shared parental leaves, pay equity legislation, and more.
Ontario is continuing its work to close the gender wage gap and support higher participation for women in the workforce, said Flynn.
He hopes the move will bring significant economic benefits, including boosting the Ontario's GDP, increasing personal incomes across the province and boosting performance and competitiveness for local businesses.
“Building on the progress we’ve already made, we are taking further steps toward breaking down barriers that prevent full participation by women in the workforce,” he said. “This working group will provide input and expertise in a number of areas in order to help close the gender wage gap, supporting Ontario’s economy and families.”
The gender wage gap working group will meet regularly over the year.
“Despite our participation throughout the workforce, barriers remain that prevent women and our economy from reaching full potential,” said Women’s Issues Minister Tracy MacCharles. “The creation of this working group continues the important work of the Gender Wage Gap Steering Committee and enhances the government’s commitment to support women’s economic empowerment in Ontario.”
Research shows that workplaces that establish gender equity are more likely to have a competitive advantage in attracting highly skilled workers, reduce the cost of employee turnover and demonstrate better organizational and financial performance.
