With the fall election approaching, the Parti Québécois (PQ) believes it is time to reform the Pay Equity Act, tabled over a quarter of a century ago by Minister Louise Harel. The political formation undertakes to reopen it in order, in particular, to make life difficult for offenders.
This was confided to the Homework Third Opposition Party Women’s Critic, Méganne Perry Mélançon, during an interview held ahead of International Women’s Day.
“There are still gaps. We believe that the advances brought about by the law should be highlighted. But also, all the same, to say that there is still work to be done,” observed Mme Perry Melancon.
The wage gap between men and women widened last year in Quebec. According to the most recent portrait of the labor market drawn up by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the average hourly wage of a man was approximately 10% higher than that of a woman in 2021. 25 years ago , this gap was 15.8%.
The PQ will therefore write down in full in its electoral platform its intention to table a revised law. This will contain tougher financial penalties, promises Mme Perry Melancon.
Currently, companies that violate the law are being fined between $1,000 and $45,000, and repeat offenders can see their bills double. “I think that these sums should be increased, supported the Gaspé elected official without specifying by how much. You have to be able to send a clear and strong signal. »
General elections are to be held next fall.
More tools for the CNESST?
In Quebec, the Standards, Equity, Health and Safety Commission (CNESST) is responsible for applying the various articles of the Pay Equity Act. At the latest news, it counted about forty offending employers.
But “the law does not have enough bite,” believes Méganne Perry Mélançon. In addition to solidifying the CNESST’s human and financial resources, the PQ wants to force large companies to set up “pay equity maintenance committees”. “We would really have better follow-ups. Because the law exists, but it is so easy to circumvent, ”said the elected representative of Gaspé.
The Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) government has already taken advantage of the beginning of its mandate to review the Pay Equity Act, but the bill then tabled by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity , Jean Boulet, was primarily intended to reimburse sums due and not disbursed by employers since 2009.
“But we didn’t add financial constraints. It’s not enough, ”drops Mme Perry Melancon on the phone.
In November, the CAQ voted for a PQ motion asking it to “strengthen the Pay Equity Act to ensure that it is able to fully achieve real pay equity”.