Thursday, October 08, 2015
Ministry of Labour
Ontario Seeking Public Input on Closing the Gender Wage Gap
Province Hosting Public Consultations in Twelve Communities
Ontario is seeking public input to develop a strategy which will help close the wage gap between men and women.
This fall, the Gender Wage Gap Steering Committee will host consultations sessions with diverse groups across the province to:
- Examine how the roles of women at work, in their families, and in their communities are affected by the gender wage gap
- Understand how the gender wage gap specifically affects women in the workforce across the economic spectrum
- Assess ways in which government, business, labour, other organizations, and individual leaders can work together to address the conditions and the systemic barriers that contribute to the wage gap
- Understand other factors that intersect with gender to compound the wage gap, and determine how those factors should be addressed
Ontarians are encouraged to get involved in the conversation by:
Closing the wage gap between men and women is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Based on the most recent Statistics Canada data, Ontario’s gender wage gap ranges from 12-31.5%.
- The gap is more pronounced for Aboriginal and racialized women and those with disabilities.
- Royal Bank of Canada estimates that personal incomes would be $168 billion higher each year if women in Canada had the same labour market opportunities as men
Additional Resources:
- Members of the Gender Wage Gap Steering Committee
- Consultation papers for individuals and organizations, and a background paper on Ontario’s Gender Wage Gap
Quotes:
"We need to close the gender wage gap and eliminate inequity for women in the work force. It’s the right thing to do, and I look forward to hearing back from the Steering Committee on how we can take next steps to reduce and eliminate the gender wage gap in Ontario."
— Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour
"While women participate in all parts of the workforce, there are still barriers that prevent women from achieving their economic potential. That negatively affects Ontario’s prosperity. Our government recognizes that when we are all treated equitably, we all benefit. That’s why we are taking action today, for a more equal and economically sound Ontario."
— Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
Media Contacts:
Janet Deline
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Craig MacBride
Minister’s Office
416-326-7709
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