Wednesday, November 10, 2021
In the fall economic statement tabled last week, the provincial government included a promise to invest $8.8 million over three years to “lead and champion work to create an equitable, anti‐racist and accessible workplace” within the Ontario Public Service (OPS).
This is an investment that is both welcome and long overdue. Earlier this year, AMAPCEO noted that OPS Employer’s apology for the workplace discrimination and systemic racism faced by Ontario’s public servants following the damning Third-Party Review of OPS Inclusive Workplace Policies and Programs was a good start, but only the first step towards dismantling oppression in the OPS.
An investment in eliminating discrimination and racism in the workplace, combined with the government’s stated aim to have the OPS serve as an example of equity to other workplaces across the province is another important sign of progress.
“I am happy to see the government put its money where its mouth is and invest in anti-racism, accessibility, and equity efforts in the OPS,” said AMAPCEO Vice-President Cynthia Watt, who also chairs the union’s Equity Committee. “AMAPCEO will hold the government accountable for ensuring these funds bring about real change so our members, and all civil servants, can make contributions in workplaces that are free from discrimination and harassment.”
As part of this effort, AMAPCEO-Ministry Employee Relations Committee (AMERC) Representatives are already being provided with specific training on how to review ministries’ ongoing anti-racism plans.