Employment equity and self-identification

Employment equity contributes to a strong and sustainable Public Service by ensuring that the workforce reflects the rich diversity of Canada's population. By completing the employment equity section in your application, you help create a public service that is diverse, inclusive and representative of identities, cultures, perspectives and experiences that make up Canada.

Employment equity at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Further to the Clerk of the Privy Council's Call to Action, our department is fostering an inclusive culture and diverse workforce by removing systemic barriers to accessing employment opportunities for candidates from the four employment equity designated groups: women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and racialized people (currently referred to in the Employment Equity Act as members of visible minorities). We also value the inclusion of all people, including members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage anyone to apply to be a fishery officer if you meet the qualifications for the role.

DFO celebrates having a workforce where the diversity of thought, culture, ethnicity, age, gender orientation and experiences are considered as valuable assets. Together, we can meet new challenges, fuel innovation through diversity, help create prosperity and make a positive impact in the workplace and the people we serve.

Self-declaring as a member of an employment equity group

Why? Because you count!

By completing the employment equity section in your fishery officer application, you help create a public service that is diverse, inclusive and representative of identities, cultures, perspectives and experiences that make up Canada. At the time of appointment, preference may be given to members of the following employment equity groups, depending on organizational and regional needs:

• Women
• Indigenous persons
• Persons with disabilities
• Racialized people (currently referred to in the Employment Equity Act as members of visible minorities)

Employment Equity networks and supports

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

DFO has established employment equity-related Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which are available to employees who join the organization. These ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that help foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organizational mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives.

ERGs provide a platform for employees and allies to share their experiences, support each other, and contribute to organizational policies and practices related to employment equity. They also play a crucial role in promoting understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Examples of ERGs at DFO:

• 2SLGBTQIA+ Positive Space Initiative & Pride Network
• The Accessibility Network
• Indigenous Employee Circle
• Diverse Ethnicity Network
• National Women's + Network
• Black Employees Network

Indigenous Career Navigators Program

The Indigenous Career Navigators Program (ICNP) supports Indigenous employees working in the federal public service from coast to coast to coast, providing them with advice and guidance to help navigate their career from a recruitment, retention, professional development, and career advancement perspective. It's important to note that all Navigators are Indigenous employees and experienced, long-term federal public servants. DFO currently has an internal team of 12 navigators supporting our department in various Indigenous related projects/initiatives.

ICNP is tied to one of the Government of Canada's "Many Voices One Mind: A Pathway to Reconciliation" (the Pathway) commitments. The Pathway is a whole-of-government strategy that seeks to reduce and remove barriers to public service employment for Indigenous Peoples, and to capitalize on the diversity of experience and ideas that Indigenous Peoples bring to the Public Service

Accessibility Secretariat

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has established an Accessibility Secretariat which is a team of people tasked with implementing our Accessibility Action Plan and ensuring that the Department meets its obligation to remove barriers and improve accessibility across all sectors and regions.

The Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport (the Passport) helps federal public service employees get the tools, supports and measures they need to perform at their best and succeed in the workplace. The Passport facilitates recruitment, retention, and career advancement for persons with disabilities.

Veteran recruitment

Veterans bring valuable leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills that align closely with the responsibilities of a fishery officer. We are committed to prioritizing veteran hiring and we strongly encourage those transitioning to civilian life to consider a career in fisheries protection.