Initiative: Implementation of Pay Equity Act in Quebec/ Mise en oeuvre de la Loi sur l'équité salariale au Québec
Institution: Commission for standards, equity, health and safety at work – Quebec/ Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail - Québec
Problem: Prior to the adoption of the Pay Equity Act by the province of Quebec in 1996, employees had to assert their right to pay equity by filing a complaint with the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission/Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. The burden of proof was on the employees to demonstrate that they were discriminated and to ask that the situation be corrected.
Solution: Since the Pay Equity Act came into force, the responsibility for achieving pay equity lies with employers. In this sense, the Commission ensures the implementation of the Act in a dynamic and innovative manner by working with its social partners. It offers a range of training and tools to support employees and employers in respecting their rights and obligations. It also conducts audits to ensure compliance with the Act.
As of June 2021, pay equity has been achieved in 94.2 percent of Quebec businesses.