Federal prosecutors defend hiring policy that puts white applicants behind ‘equity groups’

Federal prosecutors are defending a hiring policy that puts white applicants behind “equity groups,” arguing preferential treatment can be necessary to achieve workplace equality.

Source: X (Public Prosecution Service of Canada)

Federal prosecutors are defending preferential hiring that puts “equity groups” ahead of other applicants, arguing the practice is permitted under federal employment equity law.

The Prosecution Service gave Black, racialized, Indigenous, disabled and 2SLGBTQIA+ employees priority “before others.”

The agency says the practice does not violate workplace anti-discrimination provisions, according to Blacklock’s Reporter.

“The Act specifically authorizes measures intended to address disadvantage and under-representation and recognizes that achieving employment equity may require proactive measures in addition to equal treatment,” spokesperson Alessia Bongiovanni said.