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Valuing Diversity

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is workplace diversity?
Diversity recognizes, respects, and values individual differences to enable each person to maximize his or her own potential. It includes differences such as age, ethnicity, gender, color, physical and mental disability, language, parental and marital status, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, thinking style and more.

What does it mean to value diversity in the workplace?
A workplace which values diversity is one in which all individuals in the workplace are treated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. An initial step in achieving this goal is to establish a work environment where there is zero tolerance for any kind of harassment or discrimination. On going training is provided to managers, supervisors, and employees to help create a work environment that support diversity and encourages the participation and retention of designated group members in the public service.

What is Employment Equity?
Employment Equity is a comprehensive proactive strategy designed to ensure that all members of society have fair and equal access to employment opportunities. It is a process for removing barriers that have denied certain groups equal job opportunities. It involves developing special measures and removing barriers to employment for groups currently under-represented in the workforce. These under represented groups include:

Is employment equity really a form of reverse discrimination?
No. A program of positive measures to overcome discrimination is not reverse discrimination. Some groups have had almost exclusive access to opportunities while others have faced long-term discrimination. Service to our diverse Island population will be enhanced by having a diverse workforce.
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