Advocate urges federal update to Employment Equity Act and settlement with Black public servants

An advocate asked the federal government to amend the Employment Equity Act for Black employees and to stop contesting a class-action suit that has cost more than $15 million; the government says it is reviewing consultation feedback to inform possible changes.

An advocate is pressing the federal government to revise the Employment Equity Act to better address the needs of Black employees and to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit. The call came from Nicholas Marcus Thompson, president and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat. The government has previously announced the creation of designated groups for Black and LGBTQ+ people under the act. Officials say they are analyzing feedback from consultations to inform any potential changes. Known details: - Nicholas Marcus Thompson urged the federal government to update the Employment Equity Act and to drop its defence of a class-action suit involving Black public servants. - The Employment Equity Act requires federally regulated employers to work to remove barriers and maintain proportional representation; two new designated groups were announced in 2023 for Black and LGBTQ+ people. - A spokesperson for Employment and Social Development Canada said the government is reviewing consultation feedback to help inform possible changes to the law. - The class-action lawsuit was launched in 2020 alleging systemic racism within the public service; a Federal Court judge dismissed a motion to certify the case last year and the plaintiffs are appealing. - The report notes the government has spent more than $15 million in its defence of the lawsuit to date. Summary: The advocate's requests highlight ongoing questions about employment equity policy and the legal dispute brought by Black public servants. The government is reviewing consultation feedback, and the class-action matter is currently under appeal; further outcomes and timelines are undetermined at this time.