I Count Queen's Equity Census
“NEW” The inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity questions in the “I Count” .
This signifies the University’s recognition of the historical marginalization of these two groups and its commitment to a discrimination-free workplace that is supportive and respectful of employees with diverse backgrounds.
In October 2011 the I Count Queen’s Equity Census will be sent via email to all active employees at the University. This will give employees an opportunity to:
1. Self identify in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity
2. Revise their previous self identification if their status has changed
3. Participate in the employment equity listserv
YOUR PARTICIPATION
This census is about you. It is about you helping us to ensure that accurate information on the composition of the workforce is collected at Queen’s.
Filling in the information is voluntary but the Federal Contractors Program requires the form be returned. However, if you complete the self-identification questionnaire attached, as fully and accurately as possible, you will ensure that we have accurate information on our workforce.
HOW CAN YOU HELP MEET THE COMMITMENT?
The participation of every employee is important in helping to:
· Achieve an accurate profile of who we are and how representative we are of the Canadian workforce;
· Identify areas where changes in policies, practices and systems are likely to be most effective in achieving fairness in equity and employment;
· Pinpoint where we need to eliminate barriers that limit or exclude designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and women) from opportunities that should be open to all employees.
COLLECTING AND USING THE DATA
Some important factors you should know:
· Why should everyone complete the self-identification form? The information you provide will be used to determine the relationship between representation at Queen’s and that of the Canadian Workforce. All employees are part of our workforce, whether or not you are in a designated group. Completing the form ensures that information on our workforce is complete and accurate.
· How will census information be used at Queen’s? The Equity Office will use this information to assess designated group representation in different occupational groups and levels, help departments and faculties set goals and monitor progress in reaching those goals.
· What is reported to the Federal government? Queen’s is required to submit a progress report to the Federal Contractors Program. The Federal Contractors Program applies to all organizations with more than 100 employees who receive money from the Federal Government or bid on Federal contracts worth $200,000 or more. These institutions are required to maintain information on the representation of the four designated groups within their workforces in order to meet the compliance reviews conducted by the Labour Standards and Workplace Equity Division of Human Resources Development Canada.
· How will my self-identification data be used? What does self-identification do for me if I am a person in a designated group? All self-identification information will be used for statistical purposes:
► to compile workforce representation figures for Queen’s,
► to prepare reports required by the Federal Contractors legislation, and
► to develop and monitor Employment Equity programs at Queen’s.
· Can anyone else identify me for Employment Equity purposes? No. You are responsible for completing a census form and thus self-identifying. Only you can identify yourself as an Aboriginal Person, a person in a visible minority group or a person with a disability. Neither your manager, your supervisor, your department head, your dean nor your colleagues are permitted to provide this information without your authorization.
· Is the information confidential? Your self-identification information is confidential. It will be stored in the Equity Office Census Databank. In addition, all information is protected by a code of confidentiality which is included in this package.
· Who has access to my census responses? Only the staff in the Equity Office has access to your census information.
· Why do I need a netid and password? In order to complete the census online you are required to have an @queensu.ca netid. This ensures the security of the census information.
· I have a disability, but have been accommodated in the workplace. Should I still identify as a person with a disability? All people with disabilities, including those who have been accommodated in the workplace, are asked to self-identify. This is the only way that information on our workforce will be complete and accurate.
· Can I identify in more than one group? Employment Equity legislation permits employees to identify in more than one designated group. The census form includes definitions to help you accurately identify which group(s) you belong to under this legislation.
· What if my information changes later on? If you wish to update information about yourself, you should contact the Equity Office and complete a new form. You may also review and correct your own information at any time by contacting the Equity Office.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Only you can count yourself in!
Complete the census form as fully and accurately as possible, as soon as you can.
Make a personal commitment to ensure fairness at Queen’s. Self-identifying is a contribution only you can make.
If you need more information or require assistance to complete the questionnaire, please contact the Equity Office.
Macintosh-Corry Hall, Room 513
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6
Tel: (613) 533-2563
Fax: (613) 533-2031
Email: equity@queensu.ca
Code of Confidentiality
- Confidentiality begins when you use your Queen’s netid and password to respond directly to the Census.
- Only authorized persons involved in Employment Equity will have access to the census information.
- The Census information will only be used to comply with the Federal Government Employment Equity legislation and to develop and monitor Employment Equity programs at Queen’s.
- All reports based on the census information will be in summary form only, so that no individual can be identified.
- Census information provided by any individual can be changed upon the written request of that individual.
For a paper copy of the Census, please click the link below:
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