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.