Affirmative Action Essay, Research Paper

Affirmative Action

In the Human Rights Act, Chapter 214 of the revised statutes, 1989, it

states that ?in recognition that human rights must be protected by the rule of

law, this Legislature affirms the principal that every person is free and equal

in dignity and rights without regard to race, religion, religious creed, colour,

sex, physical or mental disability or ethnic or national origin.?

Unfortunately though, sometimes this law is not always abided by. Women,

aboriginal people who are physically or mentally challenged, and visible

minorities have often been denied employment equity, or equal employment

opportunities due to discriminatory practices. These groups should enjoy equal

representative share of employment opportunities in all occupations and at all

levels.

An example of discrimination that denies equal opportunity is the

practice of allowing members of these four groups to advance within a company

only to a certain level. The company may appear to be equitable by including

members of these groups in management positions. However, the top executive

positions are still out of reach for members of these groups not because these

people are not qualified for the jobs, but because they are discriminated

against. Legislation, including the federal Employment Equity Act, exists to

ensure employment equity. Such legislation requires employers to report what

proportion of their employees belong to these four groups. Employers must then

prove that all groups are equally represented at all levels within their

organizations.

Affirmative action promotes equality in the workplace in such areas as

hiring, training-apprenticeships, promotion, compensation, transfer, layoff,

termination and goals. It also promotes equal employment opportunities for

those groups or individuals who are disadvantaged due to race, religion, creed,

colour, disability, national or ethnic origin, sex, age or marital status.

Affirmative action programs are designed to improve the lot of people who have

suffered as a result of past discrimination.

By the year 2000, white males will likely account for only 15% of new

workers – 85% of new workers will consist of women, aboriginal people,

physically or mentally challenged people, and members of visible minorities.

The number of women and minorities has increased in many occupations because of

affirmative action programs. Some companies actually make a point of

advertising that they are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Application forms and advertisements for employment should not make any

inquiry that directly or indirectly expresses or invites any limitation,

specification, preference or information as to age, race, colour, religion,

creed, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnic, national

or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income, political

beliefs, affiliation or activity. There is provision for exemption if a bona

fide qualification can be established. The burden of proof lies with the

employer, who should apply in writing to the Human Rights Commission.

Some unacceptable pre-employment inquiries are:

-indicate whether Mr., Mrs., Miss. or Ms.

-any inquiry into gender

-any inquiry into sexual orientation

-any inquiry into pregnancy, childbirth or child bearing plans

-any inquiry as to the applicant’s spouse

-request for photograph or the taking of photographs

-any inquiry into religious affiliation or customs