Hon. Amina Gerba: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Moreau, employment is an essential factor in building a truly inclusive Canada, so it’s important that the Employment Equity Act clearly recognize the various ethnocultural diversities that make up our country, including Black Canadians, as distinct groups. Does the government intend to modernize this act? If so, when can we expect reform?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Gerba, as you know, I can’t comment on the progress of legislative work or when the government will announce legislative changes. However, I can tell you that the government remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where the workforce reflects the diversity of the population.

I can confirm that the government remains committed to its legislative obligations under the Employment Equity Act. In that regard, it continues to implement the Action Plan for Black Public Servants, which supports career development programs with close to $50 million in funding.

The Government of Canada wants to create an environment that supports the career development and success of civil servants from diverse ethnocultural groups.

Senator Gerba: Thank you for that response.

Certainly one-off measures are always useful. However, we’re discussing employability in the context of a stronger Canada with all of the legislation we’re working on. It is probably time to take a closer look at that.

Is the government prepared to set measurable targets to improve the representation of Black Canadians in the federal public service?

Senator Moreau: Senator Gerba, I can tell you that the Treasury Board Secretariat is planning to modernize how it collects demographic data so it can gather more nuanced and detailed information that will be used to improve reporting and program development. The goal is to ensure adequate representation of people from Canada’s diverse socio-cultural backgrounds within the public service. Since 2023, the Task Force for Black Public Servants, which is responsible for leading —

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, Senator Moreau.