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Marci Ien Highlights Gender Equality Week and Ongoing Push for Equal Pay

Ottawa, Canada – As Canada marks Gender Equality Week 2024, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, is using the occasion to celebrate progress and call for further action on key issues like pay equity. In a series of social media posts on September 23 and 24, 2024, Ien emphasized the importance of equal pay and the federal government’s commitment to holding employers accountable.

“It’s #GenderEqualityWeek in Canada, and we’re celebrating the progress we’ve made and recognizing the work still ahead,” Ien wrote in a post, reminding Canadians of the government’s historic step in 2015 when it formed the country’s first gender-balanced federal cabinet, with 50% women and 50% men.

Ien also reiterated her strong stance on the issue of pay inequality, a battle that continues despite advances. “Equal pay for equal work. Sounds simple, right? Yet women in Canada are still paid less than men for doing the same job—89 cents to every dollar, to be exact,” Ien stated. For women from marginalized communities, the wage gap is even more pronounced.

This conversation on pay equity is part of a broader push from the federal government to ensure fair wages across the board. Ien pointed out that in 2018, the Pay Equity Act was passed, requiring employers in federally regulated sectors—such as airlines, banks, and federal public service agencies—to ensure equal wages for equal work.

“Today, federally regulated employers, like airlines, banks, and the federal public service, including Ministers’ offices (like mine), are being held accountable,” she posted, underscoring the significance of compliance. “No one’s off the hook.”

Ien also took a jab at political opponents, asserting that while the Conservative Party may choose to overlook these critical issues, the current government remains committed to making life more affordable and equitable for women and marginalized communities. “Equal pay makes life more affordable for women and marginalized people. But it also benefits everyone—families, communities, and the economy,” Ien argued. “When women succeed, Canada succeeds.”

The 2018 Pay Equity Act was a landmark moment in the country’s legislative history, aimed at ensuring wage parity between men and women in federally regulated sectors. However, as Ien’s posts make clear, there is still much work to be done to close the gap and ensure economic equality for all Canadians.

As the federal government continues to push forward on these issues, Ien’s message resonates with the challenges that remain in achieving true gender equality, not just in pay but across all sectors of Canadian society.

Vision Newspaper will continue to follow developments during Gender Equality Week and beyond as Canada strives to create a more inclusive and fair workplace for all.

Alwin Marshall-Squire

Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief and Jamaican-Canadian Affairs Writer at Vision Newspaper - The Caribbean Update. With over two decades of experience, he is a dedicated advocate for amplifying Jamaican-Canadian voices. Alwin leads with vision, shaping the newspaper's editorial direction to reflect the diverse Jamaican Diaspora community. His insightful commentary and investigative reporting shed light on issues of identity and social justice, sparking crucial conversations and inspiring positive change. Alwin is not only a journalist but also a community leader, actively involved in initiatives promoting equity and representation. For feedback Alwin can be reached at al@visionnewspaper.ca

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