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Federal Contractors Program

The Federal Contractors Program was established in 1986 to further the goal of achieving workplace equity for designated groups experiencing discrimination in the Canadian labour market. These groups are:

  • women;
  • Aboriginal peoples;
  • persons with disabilities; and
  • members of visible minorities.

Under the Program, organizations that have 100 or more employees and want to bid on a federal government contract or standing offer of $200,000 or more must first sign a Certificate of Commitment to implement employment equity.

Once the contract is granted, organizations must establish an employment equity program that fulfills the Requirements. Each organization can be subjected to compliance reviews to verify that it is meeting the criteria.

To help organizations develop, implement and maintain an effective and sustainable employment equity program, the Federal Contractors Program provides employer tools that outline a four-step process to implementing employment equity. The Labour Program also provides other employment equity tools, resources and publications.

Contractors found to be in non-compliance may lose their right to bid on or receive future government contracts or standing offers valued at $25,000 or more.

Reinstatement requires the suspended contractor to demonstrate that compliance has been achieved before another bid can be submitted. Please see our frequently asked questions for quick access to essential information. To find out which organizations are currently part of the Program, see the Federal Contractors List.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Labour Program.

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Date Modified:
2012-06-15