On January 1st, Iceland became the first country in the world to legalize equal pay. The news made headlines around the world as the most positive & progressive legal movement for gender equality in recent history.

The bill is now in effect and makes it illegal for employers to pay male workers more, as well as requires companies of 25+ staff to provide reporting to show they are paying men and women equally.

CANADIAN WOMEN EARN 31% LESS
This number is the difference in earnings between working men and women in Canada. For women of colour, the gap is 37.5%, while it’s estimated Indigenous women earn a whopping 54% less than men. 

Globally, not only are males still being paid much more than females but their earnings are increasing rapidly. This means the pay gap is widening, despite initiatives to break glass ceilings & implement voluntary salary disclosure. 

It's time Canadians stand up as the global leaders we are - unified & strong - to become the first country in the Americas to legalize equal pay. The road has been paved by others with extensive research, testing & legal structure. It's up to us to petition our government to bring the same to our nation.

The Status of Women Canada is a federal government organization with a single vision: a Canada where equality is achieved between women and men in all aspects of life.

By joining & sharing this petition, we show our support for a Canadian Equal Pay Federal Bill to be drafted and passed into law. For true change to take place at the hand of our Ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

WHO BENEFITS FROM EQUAL PAY LAW?

We all benefit from fair pay & equality in the workplace. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate it will take over 100 yrs to close the gender gap and more than two centuries before we see pay equality between men and women; a gap that is growing.

The report also found gender parity was key to increasing global GDP. “The world, as a whole, could increase global GDP by US $5.3 trillion by 2025 by closing the gender gap in economic participation by 25% over the same period.”

We encourage everyone to join us in this impactful campaign, inclusive of all gender identification, cultural background, profession, political affiliation, age and more... it takes a village to make positive change!

WHO IS HALLA?

Halla Tomasdottir is an Icelandic entrepreneur, TED talker, and 2016 presidential candidate. Her advocacy for equality was an important part of the momentum behind Iceland's bill passing into law and her leadership is the inspiration behind this petition's name.

WHY NOW?

The momentum to take next steps is here. In Nov 2017, Canada's Ministers responsible for the Status of Women discussed key priorities the Forum had undertaken over the year. This included research to close the gender wage gap. In fact - and despite the reality of current proven pay inequalities - pay equity is a human right protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA).

Ontario passed new rules in April to support part-time, casual and seasonal workers. Hundreds of thousands of people are taking to the streets for Marches in support of social change. Britain's Equality Act 2010, marked an important step on the path towards a fairer world economy. Two thirds of OECD countries have introduced new policies on pay equality since 2013.

But globally, the pay gap continues to widen. Canada's government needs to help lead the way to lasting change by joining Iceland in successfully legalizing equal pay.

Now is the time for action. Together.

#payequity #HallaBill  

Already joined the petition and interested in stats, resources & reports? Find more on the Gender Pay Gap in Canada here