A middle Ground on Affirmative Action

 Affirmative action programs are a somewhat varied group of social policy initiatives that aim to correct the underrepresentation in parts of the workforce of groups that have historically been discriminated against in hiring. In principle, they are simply a range of policy devices to promote the hiring of underrepresented groups,

5 signs of a toxic workplace

 Every employee has the right to work in a good environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. But there may be circumstances where some workers are subjected to offensive actions and pervasive insulting that often make the entire workplace unwelcoming and hostile. This could result in a toxic or

America, we need to talk.

 Well, if that was the American election, we had it. Notwithstanding the almost inevitable chicanery and nonsense likely to occur between now and January 20th about which I’ve written previously, the fat lady has sung and Joe Biden will win the presidency by 36 Electoral College votes and 5m+ direct votes.

Dealing with stigma and mental health

 QUESTION: Dear Adele, My teenaged son lives with anxiety and depression. Last year his physician thought he needed some time away from school. Upon his return, my son felt that many of his fellow students were avoiding him and/or judging him. Are attitudes of shame and blame common? How can

Halifax Police Chief Dan Kinsella is proof a fish rots from the head down

 On November 29, 2019, just two months ago, Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella (pictured above) appeared at a resplendent podium emblazoned with the Halifax Police Coat of arms. He was dressed in police formal attire with a bunch of self-aggrandizing medals to give what spinmeisters described as an historic apology

OPSEU Unites for Equity

 OPSEU unit steward Rhonda Ferguson. The role and responsibility of OPSEU’s Provincial Women’s Committee is to advocate for women within the union, supporting their workplace needs and rights. The committee members often take on roles as mediators, advisors and investigators under OPSEU’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention policy. They can also help with equity language

A Slice of Equality for All

 Photo Credit: Ashley Buttle Written by Michael Coren Let them eat cake but don’t, whatever you do, actually bake it for them. In May, a Belfast court ruled that a young couple who owned a bakery and refused to make a cake decorated with a pro-gay marriage slogan had broken

The Métis — Ignored No Longer

 There are emerging signs that the Federal Government is finaly recognizing Métis land claims. The people of the Métis Nation number 350,000 who are spread across much of Canada and some of the northwestern U.S.A. The definition of the members of the Métis Nation put forward by the Métis National

How Communities can Work Together to Prevent Suicide

 The death of comedian Robin Williams last month sparked a worldwide discussion about suicide, its underlying causes and how it might be prevented. With World Suicide Prevention Day taking place September 10, the subject is certain to generate more debate as people seek to understand this important health issue. Having

J?urneyman Role Models

 Being a “journeyman” in the trades is a title to strive for and be proud of, regardless of gender. As such, it has served as a namesake for the Canadian organization, J?urneyman, a program that supports and encourages women involvement in the trade industry.  Evonne Edwards does the journeymen proud.

Family Status Issues in the Workplace

 by Emond Harden LLP In 2010 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal released a landmark human rights decision and ruled that “family status”, one of the enumerated grounds of discrimination in human rights legislation, includes the family care obligations of employees (Johnstone v. Canadian Border Services Agency).  Recent decisions in Ontario

Professionals With Disabilities: Accomodating Persons With Disabilities Can Pay Big Dividends

 There has been a great deal of discussion, in recent years, about our aging baby boomer population and how this will impact our economy. As workers retire and leave large gaps in the labour market serious questions are being raised as to who will step up to fill the void.

To Veil Or Not To Veil

 Quick, what do the words "Muslim woman" bring to mind? Is it the austere beauty of a face untouched by make-up, framed by a sober headscarf? What about the fresh-faced girl celebrating the end of exams over coffee with her friends, their shining hair swinging free? Could she be a