Canadian workers deserve equal pay for work of equal value. Since the Pay Equity Act came into force in August 2021, the Government of Canada has been working to reduce the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces.
Today, Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan Jr. announced the appointment of Lori Straznicky as Canada's new federal pay equity commissioner. Lori stepped in as interim commissioner in November 2022, providing oversight in the Government's work to strengthen pay equity in Canada.
Prior to joining the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Lori was a senior executive in the federal public service where she provided strategic policy advice and recommendations to the Minister of Labour. She played a key role in the creation of the Pay Equity Act and has extensive experience working with stakeholders in the federal jurisdiction.
Working within the Commission, Lori will continue to lead a dedicated unit responsible for assisting stakeholders and bargaining agents on pay equity issues; investigating complaints related to contravention of the Pay Equity Act; and educating employers on their obligations under the Act. As she has in her interim role, Lori will play an important role in helping to reduce the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces.
Lori was appointed through an open and transparent Governor in Council process. She will be appointed to the Canadian Human Rights Commission effective November 1, 2023, for a term of five years.
