Advancing Pay Equity for Women in Canada

Achieving Pay Equity for Women in Canada

Advancing Economic Justice, Safety and Financial Security

A new CCFWE report examines the systemic barriers that prevent pay equity from being achieved and contribute to persistent wage gaps across gender and other groups.

Pay equity goes beyond equal pay for equal work. It requires addressing the undervaluation of traditionally female-dominated and marginalized work and the structural barriers that limit full participation in the labour market. These inequities affect economic security, household purchasing power, and Canada’s broader economy.

For people experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and economic abuse, these barriers can have lasting consequences. Employment sabotage, restricted access to transportation or childcare, and workplace absences related to safety concerns or legal proceedings can disrupt employment and affect earnings, career progression, pensions, and retirement security.

Canada’s fragmented workplace equity framework also limits progress. The federal Pay Equity Act, Employment Equity Act, and Canadian Human Rights Act address interconnected aspects of equity but operate largely in silos. CCFWE recommends an integrated federal framework, alongside stronger pay equity and pay transparency measures across Canada.

Advancing pay equity can strengthen economic security and help ensure people have the financial independence needed to build safe, self-determined lives.