The Joint Employment Equity Committee (JEEC) provides a national forum that includes the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), the Public Service Commission (PSC), Bargaining Agents and departmental representatives. Others with Employment Equity and diversity responsibilities or expertise, including a youth representative, may be invited to collaborate on the development, implementation and revision of public service wide policies and practices that may impact designated groups under the Employment Equity Act.
The JEEC acts as the NJC's vehicle for Employment Equity and diversity analysis, and provides the NJC with Employment Equity and diversity related input, as well as, advice and recommendations related to emerging policies and practices in the federal public service:
- Undertaking timely and relevant analysis/review from an Employment Equity and diversity lens. Analysis from an Employment Equity and diversity lens is understood as:
- Considering the Employment Equity impacts and implications of policy and practice modifications on the designated groups;
- Ensuring that intersections among designated groups—including gender identity and sexual orientation related issues are considered when impacts and implications are assessed.
- Periodically undertaking system wide reviews and analysis on Employment Equity and diversity related issues.
To achieve its mandate, the JEEC relies on:
- Transparent and timely sharing of Employment Equity and diversity related information among all Committee members (including Employment Equity data summaries gathered through various employer controlled systems);
- A consistent approach to referring issues to JEEC for consultation, collaboration, input and analysis; and,
- Engagement with the NJC Executive with regard to emerging priorities.
Committee Advisor: Karen Kruger
Quarterly Report to the National Joint Council (June 2026)
Regular Activities
- The Committee has met two (2) times since the last Council meeting. The Committee has met one (1) additional time to discuss the 2026-2027 Work Plan;
- The Committee wishes to note the departure of an Employer Side representative, Cara Vandale, from the Canada School of Public Service, and a Bargaining Agent Side representative, Bhavika Patel, from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and to thank them for their contributions to the Committee;
- The Committee welcomed a new Bargaining Agent Side representative, Amy McMahon, from the PSAC;
- The Committee submitted the 2025-2026 Year-End Report to the Executive Committee at their April meeting;
- The Committee received a presentation from the Public Service Commission (PSC) on new Second Language Evaluation oral test preparation resources and, while raising concerns about equity and assessment barriers, was advised that the PSC is gathering broader feedback and applying trauma and bias informed practices to improve materials and ensure candidates are evaluated solely on language ability;
- The Committee received a presentation from the Canadian Association of Professional Employees on Menstruation, Fertility, and Menopause Survey results, which highlighted the need for reduced stigma, clearer education, stronger policies, and more inclusive, intersectional approaches to better support employees experiencing reproductive health related barriers in the workplace;
- The Committee received a demonstration from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) of the updated Self-Identification Questionnaire and discussed data tracking, multiracial reporting, and new response options. TBS noted that a follow-up review will assess implementation, and that non-White selections take precedence for Employment Equity Act reporting;
- The Committee received a PSC presentation on the progress of the revisions to the guide on assessment accommodation measures for persons with disabilities;
- The Committee received an overview of the Employment Equity in the Public Service of Canada, Fiscal Year 2024–2025 report, along with a presentation from TBS on measures to preserve diversity and employment equity during the Comprehensive Expenditure Review;
- The Committee was consulted by PSC to seek recommendations on the Affirmation of Indigenous Identity Form (AIIF), the process of self-declaration, and whether verification should be part of the process for Indigenous specific positions or when the AIIF is required for the appointment of a First Nation, Inuit, or Metis person.
Outstanding Items
- Nil.
Next Meetings: July 8, 2026; September 9, 2026