Equity groups in the population

The changing structure of the labour market requires an examination of the diversity of individual situations and labour market experiences of equity groups in Canada (Figure 6). All of the designated groups -- women, aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities, and members of visible minorities -- face difficulties in the labour market. Under-representation in the labour force indicates one of the difficulties. Public policy and labour market partners must meet the challenge of easing access to jobs, training, and employment opportunities for these groups.

In the 1990s, almost two-thirds of the total growth of the labour force will result from the increased participation of women, especially those aged 35 to 54 years. By the year 2000, 47% of the labour force will be women (compared with 27% in 1961 and 33% in 1971). Of all women of working age, 61% will be at work or looking for work in the 1990s.

Visible minorities are a diverse group comprising people of many ethnic backgrounds and different demographic characteristics.This group represented 6.3% of the Canadian population in 1986, 9.4% in 1991, and is projected to account for 13% by the year 2000. Generally, its members tend to be highly educated compared with the general population.