Provincial Government Releases ‘What We Heard’ Report from the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act Consultations

November 8, 2024

A ‘What We Heard’ Report containing feedback received from the consultation process to inform the regulations for the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act was released today by the Provincial Government. The consultations took place from March 11 to May 7, 2023.

It is important to note this Act is not simply about same pay for same work. The legislation seeks to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and will contribute to addressing the under-valuation of traditional female occupations, narrowing the gender wage gap, and advancing equity and well-being among all people.

While over 800 community groups, employer organizations, business owners, labour groups, equity seeking and women’s organizations, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, as well as the public were invited to take part in the consultation process, there was low participation. A total of 439 individuals completed the online questionnaire via engageNL, as members of the public, rather than as employees or employers in the public or private sectors. Sixty-four individuals participated in the in-person and virtual sessions, 37 of whom were employers. Statistics Canada reports that there are over 15,000 businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Common themes from the consultation feedback include human resources capacity, data infrastructure and collection requirements, and privacy considerations. A need for guidance and training on how to tackle pay equity was also identified, particularly across different job types and roles, hours of work and compensation structures. The requirements to operationalize pay equity and pay transparency will require substantial planning and collaboration across government departments, offices, and agencies, as well as from employers and business owners within the public and private sectors.

The Provincial Government’s initial approach was to coincide the release of the ‘What We Heard’ Report with the release of the regulations. This work is taking longer to complete due to its complexity, so the information is being released now, so the public can be better informed on the discussions that must take place with employers and employees throughout the province to implement pay equity and pay transparency. Work going forward will include consideration of such things as the annual reporting design and the employers’ capacity to report accurately and consistently, data factors like required infrastructure, and collection standards, privacy implications, and ongoing compliance activities.

Quotes
“This government strongly believes that pay equity and pay transparency are achievable, but they must be done the right way, not a rushed way. I want to thank all those who participated in the consultation process for their enthusiasm, and for exercising their right to engage with government and advocate for the needs of women, gender-diverse people and those who have faced marginalization in our province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“As President of Treasury Board, I can confirm that the Provincial Government complies with pay equity standards and assesses jobs in a gender-neutral manner. Today, women account for over 50 per cent of the core public service and they are in roles such as executives, directors, managers, and judges. Fairness and equality are defining values for our government – indeed for our society as a whole. We will continue to champion the advancement of women and gender diverse people.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board

“The ‘What We Heard’ Report shows that there is a need for more targeted consultation with employers and labour groups to inform the regulations. We are committed to this legislation and are working to ensure we take the time to get it right.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
‘What We Heard’ Report – Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act Consultations

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Job Evaluation System – Treasury Board Secretariat

Labour Relations and Standards

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