(Regina) Most people polled in a new pan-Canadian poll say equal representation in government is important, but they don’t support employers who factor demographics into their hiring and promotion decisions.
The survey by the Canadian Center for Applied and Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan was conducted by telephone between 1er and December 24. Pollsters asked 1,000 people about equality, diversity and inclusion in workplaces and in government.
The majority of respondents said they supported the presence of various minority groups in government, including women (89%), Aboriginal people (86%), persons with disabilities (83%), visible minorities (81% ) and members of the LGBTQ community (68%).
The survey also asked whether employers should only consider the qualifications of applicants or whether they should also consider demographic characteristics when hiring.
Around 60% of those surveyed said employers should only consider a candidate’s skill level, even if this results in less diversity.
“This is the reverse of what people said in the previous battery of questions, when they said it was important that these groups be represented,” research director Jason Disano told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview from Saskatoon.
“People like the idea in theory, but when it comes to real-world implications or potential ramifications for them as an individual, that’s when they say, ‘Hold on. a minute, let’s maybe take a step back from that. I support the idea, but I do not support specific actions to achieve it. “”
About a quarter of those polled, and most of those aged 35 to 54, also said they missed out on a career opportunity or knew someone it happened to because of a decision to increase diversity. in a working environment.
“It’s surprising, but it also makes a lot of sense in the perspective that initiatives (equity, diversity and inclusion) have only really started to emerge in the last 10 to 20 years. Said Mr. Disano.
“Those who are 55 and over are settled in their careers, and younger people – especially in these times of COVID-19 – may have had fewer opportunities to be actually potentially affected by some of these initiatives. . ”
Mr Disano said the survey also indicated, overall, that women were more likely than men to support diversity in the workplace.
The importance of French
The people questioned were also asked about the importance for elected officials to speak French.
Most respondents said politicians should be fluent in both official languages. About 83% said it is important for the prime minister of the country to speak French, while 65% said it is important for members of provincial governments and 64% think it is important for the former. ministers.
Respondents from Quebec were more likely than others to state that elected officials should be fluent in both official languages.
Mr Disano says it’s important to ask questions about diversity, representation and language because it shows the need to have a broader conversation about diversity in the workplace in governments, workplaces and other organizations.
“The problem is really to convince people of the importance (of this issue) and to explain to them how they are making a global difference,” Disano said.
The survey was plus or minus 3.1% reliable, with a 95% confidence level.