Prince Edward Island

Introduction

431. This Report is the submission for the province of Prince Edward Island, covering the period from April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1998.

Legal and Other Measures Adopted April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1998

432. The Employment Standards Act requires employers to provide an employment environment free from harassment. In 1995, a Safety in the Workplace Education Initiative was hosted by Labour, Occupational Health and Safety and Status of Women sectors. Posters were distributed to all workplaces.
     
     
433. In compliance with the Employment Standards Act, a public service workplace harassment policy, Creating a Positive Work Environment, was jointly developed by the public service union and the Government of Prince Edward Island, in recognition of the right of public service employees and clients to be free from harassment in the workplace. Educational sessions were held for all employees.
     
     
434. Changes to the Civil Service Superannuation Act were made to allow for splitting of a member's pension assets in the event of marriage breakdown. These proposed changes have been approved.
     
     
435. A series of education sessions on promoting equity and diversity in employment have been held with representation from the four designated groups -- women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. Advice on strategic directions for improving the workplace culture for designated groups has been prepared as groundwork for future education and policy development.
     
     
436. The Victims of Family Violence Act and Regulations were developed in 1994-95, and the Act was proclaimed in 1996. It provides immediate community access to emergency protection and intervention. Public education sessions were conducted and the Islanders Guide to Victims of the Family Violence Act was prepared and distributed by Community Legal Information Association. An information kit on victim assistance orders is available to assist victims in understanding their rights under the Act, as well as any documentation requirements. Legal aid is available to those victims who meet financial eligibility criteria.
     
     
437. Educational programming aimed at promoting women and leadership and management was piloted in 1996 and 1997 with partnership assistance from the federal and provincial governments and the University of Prince Edward Island. The Management Development Program for Women is currently being offered as a program at the University. Demand for spaces has exceeded quotas each year that the Program has been offered.
     
     
438. The Premier's Action Committee on the Prevention of Family Violence, a five-year strategic government-community partnership, is facilitating and updating family violence response protocols, conducting public education, and distributing information on violence recognition and prevention in the workplace.
     
     
439. The Provincial Department of Development offers a grants program for women entrepreneurs as a part of promoting enterprise development by women.

Progress

440. Representation of women in public leadership positions in Prince Edward Island is reported as a proxy indicator of women's equity progress. The table that follows shows the update for 1998.

Representation of Women in Public Leadership Positions

*In this report, these last two categories were included, although individuals are appointed to these positions, rather than being elected.