PIPSC Welcomes Appointment of New Federal Pay Equity Commissioner

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada welcomes the appointment of Karen Jensen as the first federal Pay Equity Commissioner. This is an important step towards closing the gender pay gap in the federal public service and federally-regulated workplaces.

It is 2019, yet overall women are making 32 percent less than men, with Indigenous women and women with disabilities facing the steepest gender pay gaps, making between 45 and 56 percent less.

According to the government’s own release, as Canada's Pay Equity Commissioner, Ms. Jensen will play both the education and enforcement roles with regard to the new legislation, which sets out clear steps for employers to proactively achieve pay equity in their workplace. Working within the Canadian Human Rights Commission and supported by a unit of subject-matter experts, she will be responsible for assisting individuals in understanding their rights and obligations under the Act and facilitating the resolution of disputes related to pay equity.

Ms. Jensen brings a wealth of experience to this new role and PIPSC looks forward to working with her to ensure we achieve long-awaited proactive pay equity in our workplaces.


27 February 2018
With “tax season” fast approaching, the government has recently updated the information available online regarding three types of financial claims linked to the Phoenix pay system: requesting an advance for government benefits; reimbursement for tax advice; and claims for out-of-pocket expenses.

20 February 2018
Last week I was invited to meet with the Cabinet level working group on the Phoenix pay system to discuss potential solutions. I last met with the Cabinet committee in June 2017 and since then we have sadly seen little to no progress – in fact the problems continue to mount.

12 February 2018
On February 6, 2018 PIPSC President Debi Daviau led a dozen-strong Institute delegation to Ottawa’s Parliament Hill as part of the Canadian Labour Congress’ (CLC) annual Lobby Day.

9 February 2018
February 5, 2018 The 55 unions represented on the Canadian Council of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) recognize without exception that when one of our affiliates is attacked, our movement is attacked.

2 February 2018
On January 29, 2018, PIPSC President Debi Daviau met with Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier for the first time at the Canada Revenue Agency headquarters in Ottawa.  

1 February 2018
I recently wrote to Treasury Board President Scott Brison to express my frustration at being informed that the government is very likely not going to be able to process overpayment claims reported by the January 19, 2018 deadline.