Newfoundland and Labrador’s “What We Heard” report on consultations for the upcoming Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act reveals significant concerns about human resources capacity, data infrastructure, and privacy considerations related to implementing pay equity.
Despite outreach to more than 800 community groups, business owners, and labour organizations, participation remained relatively low, with just 439 individuals completing an online questionnaire and 64 attending in-person or virtual sessions.
Key feedback from participants centred on challenges faced by employers in operationalizing pay equity, including the need for specialized guidance and training on pay standards across various job roles, work hours, and compensation structures. Privacy concerns regarding data collection and reporting also emerged as a priority for many respondents, alongside the logistical demands of integrating pay equity into current business practices.
“There is a need for more targeted consultation with employers and labour groups to inform the regulations,” said Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labour, noting that the government is working to refine the legislative framework.
Originally planned for release alongside the final regulations, the report was issued separately due to the complexity of the ongoing work. As next steps, the government will consider requirements around data collection standards, employer reporting capacity, and privacy safeguards, said officials.
Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, emphasized the government’s commitment to thorough planning for pay equity. “Pay equity and pay transparency are achievable, but they must be done the right way, not a rushed way,” she said, thanking participants for their engagement.
Treasury Board President Siobhan Coady added that the provincial government already complies with pay equity standards in its workforce, with over 50 per cent of core public service positions held by women.