Moncton — The Coalition welcomes another step toward pay equity legislation for the private sector. Government promised to act and, in July, launched public consultations. Today, it takes that process on the road, with the first of six public meetings across the province before the window closes October 30.
"This is the moment we've been working and waiting for," said Jody Dallaire, Chair of the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity. "Pay equity is a human right — New Brunswick has already legislated it for public-sector workers. It's time to extend that right to the private sector. Government promised this, and it must happen within this mandate."
The tour stops in Fredericton, Campbellton, Grand Falls, Moncton, Woodstock, and Saint John, with English and French sessions at each location. New Brunswickers who can't attend in person can also weigh in through an online survey or by written submission.
The consultation, titled Review of the Pay Equity Act, 2009, in New Brunswick, is led by the Pay Equity Bureau under the Office of Women and Gender Equity. The current Act applies only to government departments, the school and hospital systems, and Crown corporations. The consultation aims to "ensure that pay equity principles are applied across all sectors of employment," including the private and care sectors.
"Government needs to hear directly from New Brunswickers about why this matters to them," said Dallaire. "We're encouraging our members and allies across the province to make their voices heard."
"This is our chance to shape the law New Brunswickers deserve. Let's get it right. Let's make it law for all."
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