Hon. Katherine Hay: Minister Hajdu, good to see you again. You likely know where I am going to head with my question.

The job market is tough for young people. I believe there is a 14% unemployment rate. A recent study by Mental Health Research Canada and GreenShield found that 82% of young people feel stressed about their career future, and 30% say it is harming their mental health. It’s even more alarming for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black, African, Caribbean and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This is a crisis that the current system is failing.

Can you share how your department is supporting young people across Canada to enter and sustain themselves in the workforce and also address their mental health pressures?

Hon. Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario: Thank you very much.

I would like to take a moment to thank this particular senator for her work and allyship during the global pandemic. We had many moments where we convened to talk about how we could support young people during that very difficult time, and I will never forget her kindness.

The senator is right to point out the connection between purpose and mental health. I have thought a lot about this in my life and in my career. In fact, in my career prior to politics, I spent a lot of time with young people, Indigenous people and excluded people. Purpose and connection to community were some of the things that could help young people begin to heal, oftentimes, from very traumatic situations in their lives.

That’s why the federal government continues to invest beyond the labour market transfers to provinces and territories, in particular for the successful first experiences of young people, including those who are considered NEET — not in employment, education or training.

We do this through a number of different measures. We have the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, where we work with astounding organizations across the country, perhaps even the Kids Help Phone line, which work with young people to ensure they get quality work experience. We also provide direct work experience through Canada Summer Jobs. I’m very excited to launch the Canada Service Corps this year, which will address young people wanting work in climate-related fields.

Senator Hay: Minister, Canada’s Employment Equity Act Review Task Force’s 2023 report, A Transformative Framework to Achieve and Sustain Employment Equity, proposed long‑overdue reform, including adding Black people and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals as designated groups, updating terms like “visible minorities” to “racialized people,” and “Aboriginal Peoples” to “Indigenous Peoples.”

Senator Bernard and I have a question on behalf of the equity‑deserving groups who are waiting for action from the government: When can Canadians expect these changes to the Employment Equity Act?

Ms. Hajdu: Thank you very much. I wish to note that Senator Moreau has raised this on behalf of a number of senators who have asked about an update on the Employment Equity Act.

I believe this is a very important act, especially as we see attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion coming from, in particular, conservative voices, not just in other countries but in our country as well. The rights of people who have won those rights, many times in fierce battles, are being undermined and threatened, and it’s having real-life impact for people all across our communities.

I have asked for the department to provide me an update on the What We Heard report, in which, apparently, there were consultations undertaken last year. As soon as I hear —

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister.