Ontario looking to bridge the wage gap

In 2015, women in Ontario — particularly minorities, First Nations and those with disabilities — continue to make between 12 and 31 per cent less than their male counterparts.

And while it may seem like this is an issue that should no longer be an issue, it is, and the Ontario government has created a steering committee to look into how the province can finally bridge that gap.

Announced on April 20, the committee will meet with diverse groups across the province to examine how the role of women at work, in their family, and in their community is affected by the gender wage gap; explore how the gap specifically affects women in the workforce; assess ways labour, government and other groups can together address the gap; and look into other factors affecting the wage gap and how to address those.

The committee will report back to the government in early 2016 with the results. That data will be used to help build a gender wage gap strategy.

On the steering committee is:

- Linda Davis, past president of the Business and Professional Women's Clubs of Ontario;
- Dr. Parbudyal Singh, expert in human resource management and labour relations;
- Emanuela Heyninck, Ontario's Pay Equity Commissioner; and
- Nancy Austin, executive lead for the Ministry of Labour.