Employment Equity Survey

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By completing the Employment Equity Survey you assist the Employment Equity office to develop programs and initiatives to support the diversification of employees at the university. The survey is confidential and voluntary.

The survey is now available online through Employee Self-Service (ESS). 

What is Employment Equity?

Employment Equity is a program legislated by the federal Employment Equity Act and the Federal Contractors Program to remove barriers to employment for Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and women. The University of Toronto includes sexual minorities as part of its overall equity program, including employment equity.

Do I have to complete and return the questionnaire?

While completion of the questionnaire is voluntary, we request that all employees complete the questionnaire online via Employee Self-Service (ESS) or, for those who do not have access to ESS, to complete and return the paper questionnaire to the Compensation section of the Human Resources Department, 8th Floor, 215 Huron Street.

Should you choose not to complete the questionnaire, to assist us in fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Contractors Program, please submit the incomplete questionnaire online via ESS or via campus mail or to your local HR Office, in a sealed envelope addressed to the Compensation Section of the Human Resources Department, 8th Floor, 215 Huron Street. Please ensure your personnel number is recorded on the questionnaire for reporting purposes, as outlined in the Commitment to Confidentiality.

How can I update my information?

New Employees – If you are a new employee please log on to Employee Self-Service (ESS) to complete the questionnaire or contact your local Human Resources Office if you do not have access to ESS.

Current Employees – If you are a current employee and want to update your information, please log on to Employee Self-Service (ESS) to update the questionnaire or contact your local Human Resources Office if you do not have access to ESS.

You can also download the Employment Equity Questionnaire in PDF format. The PDF is a fillable form which you can print and return in a sealed envelope to the Compensation Section of the Human Resources Department, 8th Floor, 215 Huron Street. Please ensure that your personnel number is recorded on the questionnaire for reporting purposes, as outlined in the Commitment to Confidentiality.

I require an accommodated format of the survey, who should I contact?

If you require a paper format for accessibility please contact your Divisional HR Office.

Confidentiality and Reporting

The University’s Commitment to Confidentiality outlines the protection of your privacy and how anonymity in reporting information is maintained.

Could I be disadvantaged in any way by providing this information?

No. The information you provide on the questionnaire is stored in a strictly confidential Employment Equity database. Information is presented in summary form in the annual Employment Equity report and is used to develop initiatives to remove barriers to employment for the designated groups.

I am the only person in my department who is from a designated group, won't I be easily identified?

No. The Federal Government prohibits disclosure of information where any category includes three or fewer people.

The Questionnaire Questions

Why are the questions asked in the way they are written?

To comply with the federal legislation, the University has adopted the questions and terminology provided by the Federal Government.

Who are members of visible minorities?

According to Section 3 of the Employment Equity Act, 1995, “‘members of visible minorities’ means people, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.” The legislation specifically excludes Aboriginal peoples from this definition.

The Federal Government further clarifies that:

[t]his definition is not based on place of birth, citizenship or religion. Some members of visible minorities were born in Canada, others were foreign-born; some are citizens, others have a landed immigrant status; and they all have different religious affiliations. This group includes individuals of non-white or non-Caucasian origin from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, South America, Africa or any other part of the world.

-From Collection of Workforce Information Human Resources Development Canada Labour Program, Government of Canada (2003).

Why does the Federal Government still use the term “visible minority" or "race”, when race is not a valid scientific category and is acknowledged as a social construction?

According to the Federal Government:

This definition has been the subject of much discussion. However, it is important to remember that the rationale for including "visible minorities" in the law is rather straightforward: people who are visibly in a minority because of their skin colour or identifiable "racial" background may face various types of employment barriers. This does not mean that anyone believes "race" is a valid scientific category. (As some have pointed out, there is only one race, the human race.) Rather, it means that we recognize that belonging to a visible minority still has social implications, and that the creation of a truly integrated society must start with the efforts to identify and address these consequences in a direct and systematic manner.

-From Collection of Workforce Information Human Resources Development Canada Labour Program, Government of Canada (2003).

What does 'Two-Spirited' mean, in question 5 of the questionnaire?

Two-Spirited People refers to people who are Aboriginal / Native American, who identify as having distinctive sexualities and / or gender identities. It is used by many contemporary gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender Aboriginal / Native American people as a more culturally appropriate term to describe themselves. The term also encompasses the spiritual, along with the physical, emotional and cultural aspects.

My circumstances are special – Where do I fit?

I have dyslexia but with accommodation I am able to perform my job. Is this considered a disability?

Yes, if you require accommodation to perform your job then you are considered a person with a disability.

I have a mental health condition / illness. Is this considered a disability?

Yes.

I have Crohn's disease, or epilepsy, or diabetes. Is this considered a disability?

Yes. If you are unsure about your particular situation and would like to speak with someone in confidence please contact the Employment Equity office. No identifying information will be required.

I wear glasses all the time. Is this considered a disability?

It is considered a disability if your eye condition cannot be sufficiently corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

I have a broken leg. Is this considered a disability?

No, it is not considered a disability since your recovery and return to your earlier level of activity are likely to be achieved in time.

I am Chinese and I am a Canadian citizen. Am I considered to be a member of a visible minority?

Yes. According to the Federal Government definition, you are considered to be a member of a visible minority if you are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour. This definition is not based on place of birth, citizenship or religion.

I am Portuguese / Spanish / Dutch. Am I considered to be a member of a visible minority?

No. According to the Federal Government definition, you are considered to be a member of a visible minority if you are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour. This definition is not based on place of birth, citizenship or religion.

I am a person of mixed descent, both Cree and Black. How do I identify myself?

A person who is of Aboriginal and visible minority descent can self-identify in both the Aboriginal and visible minority sections.

I believe I fit in to more than one 'category'. Can I tick more than one box?

Yes.

I have a question that isn't listed here. Where can I send it?

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Employment Equity Office.