PACIFIC SOCIETY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT
OF EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
Public engagement
DISCUSSIONS ON HIRING IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
What does debate and discussion look like? Is there active discussion on hiring discrimination in Canada? Who has the discussion? Which groups are affected? Why has the concept of merit not worked to bring in citizens of colour into the public sector over the past 100 years in a way that is socially significant? What happens when someone tries to have a discussion on employment equity? How does the city administration respond? How does HR understand the workforce outcomes it produces? Do city personnel respond in a positive cooperation or do they exhibit an aversion to discussing these matters? Why? What is the organizational culture like? What rationales are provided to explain deficiencies? Which legislation and policy is cited? Is the identity of the administrative workforce a diverse one? These are all questions which are important to think about.
The PSAEE writes to engage a number of stakeholders. It looks to bring change to the hiring processes of the public service so that the concept of merit is not used as a tool to privilege candidacies along racial lines. Only a functionally diverse Canadian public service can faithfully represent the interests of all Canadians. Read some of the communications below. If there are any questions, please feel free to email: connect@psaee.org.
The city of Surrey "EDI Awards" qualification criteria
Each year the City of Surrey has been qualifying for EDI awards. This, without more information, creates unduly positive perceptions about EDI. The PSAEE filed an information request to learn of the criteria being met by the City in order for the city to qualify for the awards. Severed/redacted records were returned.
City of Surrey, Information Request
INFO REQUEST RESPONSE
ANTI-RACISM DATA ACT, MLA - RACHNA SINGH
July 11, 2022
Anti-Racism Data Act
LETTER SENT
BC OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
May 6, 2022
Office of the Ombudsperson - Systemic Investigations
LETTER SENT
A letter to the office of the merit commissioner
November 24, 2021
Office of the Merit Commissioner - The Social Function
LETTER SENT
MERIT COMM
REPLY
PSAEE RESPONSE
MERIT COMM
REPLY
September 7, 2021
The PSAEE requested BC candidates running for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding to elaborate on their commitment on removing barriers for visible minority citizens in the public service hiring process. Read what they say.
LETTER SENT
NDP
LIBERALS
GREENS
CONSERVATIVES
Response Letter
Mr. Paul Manly
No Response
Ms. Tamara Kronis
Response Letter:
Ms. Lisa Marie Barron
Response Letter:
Ms. Michelle Corefield
Canada’s 2021 Federal Election: Commitment to Employment Equity
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON REFORMING THE POLICE ACT SUBMISSION
April 22, 2021
Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act, Submission
The PSAEE has sent a letter to the HR Director's of various cities in BC to learn about the hiring policies and practices.
Letter
City Response
PSAEE Response
April 6, 2021
North Vancouver Communications - Hiring Processes
April 1, 2021
Victoria Communications - Hiring Processes
March 19, 2021
New Westminster Communications - Hiring Processes
March 15, 2021
White Rock Communications - Hiring Processes
March 7, 2021
Prince George Communications - Employment Equity
March 3, 2021
Coquitlam Communications - Employment Equity
In addition to the posted responses above, various other responses have been received from other cities. With some cities, discussions continue. Not all responses are being posted - the PSAEE is using discretion in this area. There remain other city HR offices which have not responded - and we are presently attempting to reach them.
The PSAEE will soon be engaging more senior leaders in government. The responses which have been received, and the various other efforts the PSAEE have been engaged with will be important in ensuring that it can speak on the issues which impact citizens of colour.
Below is a list of HR Directors for cities across BC. Updated Feb, 2021