In this report, we attempted to cover all issues related to making a transition into employment. Because members of the designated equity groups -- women, aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities, and members of visible minorities -- often face additional challenges when trying to move into employment, equity concerns form an important part of the report. We adopted the following definition of the term "equity."
The meaning of equity
Equity is an ancient principle of justice that was included in law to ensure fairness for disadvantaged members of society. Implementing equity principles means ending overt or systematic discrimination against members of a social group by providing them with education, training, or both; reasonable accommodation of their needs; and opportunities for employment.
In employment, the equity principle in the Canadian context would result in fair access, treatment, and outcomes for women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and members of visible minorities - social groups that have been and continue to be disadvantaged by law and social custom. The equity principle would "level the playing field" so that race, gender, and disability would have no effect on employability and full participation in society.
To put equity principles into practice, special measures must be taken to ensure that these groups are employed throughout organizations and work sites; accommodated in and participating fully and comfortably in their work context; treated with respect, fairness, and dignity; fairly evaluated in terms of their experience and education; and promoted on the basis of their competence. Recognition for and understanding and valuing of the range of human differences demonstrate the successful practice of equity in the workplace.