Headlines/Sept. 30, 1992

Questions and answers on upcoming Employment Equity survey

Because the University College has had federal contracts of
more than $200,000, it is required to gather and maintain
information on the number of aboriginal people, visible
minorities, people with disabilities and women in its work force, in
accordance with the federal Employment Equity act.

Personnel will be sending all employees a questionnaire
soon to gather this information. In addition to complying with
federal regulations, the questionnaire will help UCFV monitor the
effectiveness of its employment equity objectives. Here are some
questions and answers about employment equity.

What is employment equity? The goal of employment equity is
to provide equal access to employment opportunities for all
employees by ensuring that no person is denied employment
opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualification,
such as gender or racial origin.

Does asking employee questions about racial origin and
disabilites contravene the Human Rights act? No. Such
questions do not contravene the Human Rights act when the
information gathered is used for purposes of employment
equity reporting or employment equity programs. UCFV has a
special exemption from the B.C. Council of Human Rights
which allows it to ask for this information.

Will information on individuals be used in personnel
decisions that will affect pay, opportunities for
promotion, etc.? No. Information gathered is confidential and
will not become part of regular personnel records. Data will
only be reported in the form of statistical summaries. No
individual will be identified. Only Barry Bompas and Carol
Hardy will have access to individual data.

Why do you ask people to put their names on the
questionnaire? UCFV not only needs to know the current
representation of the designated groups in its work force, it
also needs to be able to see how that representation changes
over time. In order to maintain accuracy of employment equity

data, Personnel needs to be able to add to the database new
employees, remove departing employees, and record the
change in status of those who are transferred or promoted.
Database maintenance is the only reason that employees are
asked for identification.

What will be done with the data? The data will only be used to
maintain an employment equity database showing designated
group representation in the UCFV workforce, and to generate
statistics to assist UCFV in the development of its
employment equity objectives.

Does this mean that aboriginal people, people with
disabilities, visible minorities and women will be given
preference in jobs? No. Designated group members will not
be given preference in jobs. As an employer, UCFV is striving
for equitable representation from all groups, including
non-designated ones. The filling of vacancies is, and will
continue to be, a process based on qualifications. There are
no government-imposed quotas.

What is the definition of aboriginal people? Aboriginal people
of Canada include individuals who identify themselves as
Status Indians, Non-Status Indians, Inuit, or Metis.”

What is the definition of visible minority? Persons who are
non-Caucasion in race or non-white in colour.*

What is the definition of disability? Persons with disabilities
are considered to be persons who consider themselves to be,
or believe that an employer or a potential employer would
likely consider them to be, disadvantaged in employment by
reason of persistent physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory or
learning impairment.”

* All definitions are from the Employment Equity act, 1986

For more information on employment equity at UCFV,
contact Barry Bompas at 4508 or Carol Hardy at 4210.

United Way, continued from page 1

remind people that the drive is on — not to solicit donations. Canvassers are
Leslie Dalzell (Academic), Ellenor Greaves and Bertha Dewan (Career),
Catherine Sorenson (CE), and Carole Higginbottom (President’s office).
Volunteers are still being sought to canvas for ESS, the President’s office and

the Bursar’s office.

Dean of Continuing Education Susan Witter is on the board of directors of

the United Way of the Fraser Valley. on

United Way information packets will be coming your way early in October.
For more information on the United Way contact Barry Bompas at 4508 or

Women’s task force reps needed

The Task Force on Women and
Violence, organized by a number of
Abbotsford/Matsqui agencies, is
looking for a UCFV faculty or staff
member to represent the university
college. The individual must be
comfortable with a very
action-oriented approach, possible

assistance, 859-4343.

nN

lobbying activities, etc. For
information contact Rosalie
Chappell, local 4302 or Kathryn
Zanatta, Matsqui Police victim

ABE instructor Vicki Grieve is looking for more Read to Me
volunteers like Jack Embree, shown here reading to Grieve’s
daughter Gabby Yacyshen. Contact Grieve at local 2435.