The Ontario government is moving forward with recommendations listed in a recent final report from the province’s Gender Wage Gap Steering Committee.

Further efforts will be undertaken to create equal opportunities for women and eliminate barriers that prevent their full participation in the workforce. Currently, Statistics Canada states Ontario’s gender wage gap ranges from 14-26 per cent.

As a first step, the province will increase income transparency in the Ontario Public Service by making salary data publicly available by gender. Gender-based analysis will also be required in the government policy process.

An Associate Minister of Education, responsible for early years and child care, will be appointed to help build a system of affordable, accessible and high-quality early years and child care programs.

Employer resources will also be provided, including training materials on anti-discrimination and developing other education products for employees.

Further consultation is recommended. Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues Tracy MacCharles will bring together business, labour, human resources professionals and equality advocates as part of a facilitated working group to discuss these issues and provide advice.