What is Employment Equity?
Employment equity is a program of proactive, positive measures designed to increase the representation of workers who have historically been disadvantaged in the workplace to a level that reflects their availability in the labour market. Employment equity practices seek to ensure that no one is denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons not related to one’s ability. It also seeks to correct disadvantages in employment experienced by members of designated equity groups.
What are the designated groups?
The employment equity designated groups include women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. As an extension of Saint Mary’s commitment, the survey also collects data on gender identity/expression and sexual orientation.
What is the Employment Equity and Diversity Survey?
The employment equity and diversity survey is a confidential questionnaire developed as part of the university’s commitment and efforts to enhance equity and inclusion. The survey is used to collect demographic data on the makeup of the university’s workforce.
Why is the information being collected?
The information is collected from all new and current employees in order to have an accurate picture of the composition of the workforce. The information collected is compared against labour market data to identify areas of under representation at all occupational levels within our workforce. This allows Saint Marys to set equity goals, monitor progress and assist in removing barriers to employment and advancement.
Why should everyone complete the survey?
We want to ensure that the makeup of our workforce reflects the makeup of the larger environment. To achieve this, we need the most accurate data possible from all employees whether they identify as a member of a designated group or not.
How will my responses be shared?
Responses are aggregated to provide high-level information and access is restricted to designated individuals within People and Culture with responsibility for employment equity. Saint Mary’s University has a requirement to share anonymized data with Federal and Provincial governing bodies.
Can anyone else identify me for employment equity purposes?
No. Only you can identify yourself for employment equity purposes.
If I have workplace accommodations in place, should I still identify as a person with a disability?
Yes. All people with disabilities are asked to self-identify, including those who have been accommodated in the workplace.
Will the information provided on this form be used to request a workplace accommodation?
No. The accommodation process commences when a request is made to your supervisor, manager, department head or People and Culture.
Is it discriminatory to ask questions related to race or disability?
No. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act both allow for the collection of this type of data where the purpose is to identify and remove systemic barriers, address historical disadvantage and promote substantive equality.
I completed a self-identification survey as part of my application/recruitment process. Do I need to complete this survey?
Yes. Although both surveys have similar questions, the data collected as part of the application process is managed separately from the Employment Equity and Diversity Survey.
Will my personal information be shared with hiring managers as part of recruitment processes?
No. Responses will not be used for recruitment and therefore will not be shared with hiring managers.
Can I identify in more than one group?
Yes. The Employment Equity Act permits identifying in more than one designated group.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. The Employment Equity Act states that self-identification information can only be used for employment equity purposes. The information you provide is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be kept strictly confidential.
If I completed the survey in the past, should I do it again?
Yes. If you have previously completed the survey, you are asked to complete it again to ensure your information is accurate and current.
What do I do if my information changes?
You can update your information at any time by accessing the survey through self-service.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For information about employment equity and diversity, please contact the Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness at EDI@SMU.ca.