Hon. Kristopher Wells: Government leader, I rise to ask this question on behalf of the Honourable Senator Bernard.

Last week we marked the fortieth anniversary of the Employment Equity Act, and it has been almost three years since the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force released its final report.

Senator Bernard and I co-hosted the National Employment Equity Council Forum, along with many of our Senate colleagues, MPs and stakeholders, and the resounding message was the following question I will pose to you now: What is preventing the government from modernizing employment equity?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): The government takes the question related to employment equity very seriously. I cannot report on the actual level of work that has been done, but I will certainly raise the question with the minister and get back to you with an answer.

Senator K. Wells: The Honourable Jean Augustine is a patron of the National Employment Equity Council. At age 89, she is still strongly engaged in advocacy on the front lines, because modernizing the Employment Equity Act does not seem to be a priority for Canada, yet it is a priority to many people, including unions and stakeholders who care deeply about this legislation.

What can I report back to her and these advocates about a timeline for modernizing the Employment Equity Act?

Senator Moreau: As far as a timeline is concerned, I cannot answer that question on behalf of the government; it’s for the government to decide. However, as I mentioned earlier, I will certainly raise the question with the minister and get back to you with all the relevant information so that you may share it with her.

Senator K. Wells: Thank you.

Senator Moreau: You’re welcome.