Overall hiring has decreased by 32 per cent and promotions by 18 per cent compared to the year before. This analysis aims to provide an initial assessment of cuts on employment equity and whether the data substantiates concerns raised by unions and advocates.
How well is the government meeting its diversity targets? The 2023-24 Employment Equity report offers a window into federal efforts to bring about change.
Visible minorities were elected in numbers that reflect immigration and citizenship trends, but this was less so for women and Indigenous Peoples.
Analysis of citizenship data shows that operational policy changes have a real impact, making naturalization either harder or easier for new Canadians.
The public service is making a concerted effort to improve representation while sharing more granular data to showcase progress. The significant strides made in recent years are thanks in part to a 2021 Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion.
Given ongoing high levels of immigration and thus citizenship, the number of ridings with large numbers of immigrants, and visible and religious minorities will continue. From about one in six ridings being a visible minority majority riding in 2021 to a likely one in five by 2025, political parties will need to pay attention.
While some have argued that immigration and related issues have become a third rail in Canadian politics, this need not be the case.
