The Canadian Government plans to create a list of Black, Indigenous and other minorities who could play high-ranking roles in the Federal Public Service.
It is currently in the process of selecting an executive search firm to create and maintain the list of candidates from minority groups, as well as people with disabilities, who could be considered for Deputy Minister (equivalent of Permanent Secretary) and Assistant Deputy Minister positions.
Details of the planned database are contained in a request for proposals posted on the Federal Government’s Procurement and Public Tenders website.
The request for proposals does not disclose how much the contract will cost.
It states: “The Federal Public Service is stronger and most effective when it reflects the diversity of the Canadians it serves.
“While progress has been made in recent years to achieve gender parity in the senior leadership community, there is more progress to be made in increasing representation of Black people and other racialised groups, Indigenous people, as well as persons with disabilities.”
The winning bidder will be required to update the list every two months.
Ordinarily, Public Servants rise through the ranks before attaining the most senior executive posts of Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister.
However, the Employment Equity Act, which applies to Federally-regulated industries, Crown corporations and some portions of the Federal Public Service, designates women, Indigenous Peoples, other visible minorities and people with disabilities as groups requiring special measures to overcome barriers to employment.
According to an analysis by former Director General of the Department of Immigration, Andrew Griffith less than four per cent of executive positions in the Federal Public Service were Indigenous and less than 10 per cent were other visible minorities.
Caroline Xavier (pictured) is the only Black Assistant Deputy Minister. She was appointed in February at the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Ottawa, 30 August 2020
