The Halifax Regional Council adopted an Employment Equity Policy in June 1997 and HRM characterizes itself as an Employment Equity Employer to reflect its initiatives in support of that policy.

The policy adopted by Council in 1997 is:

Halifax Regional Municipality is committed to reflecting the community it serves. Equality of opportunity will characterize both the ideals and the administration of the municipality.

Accordingly, Council supports the establishment of an Employment Equity Program designed to promote the full participation of persons who may have experienced employment disadvantages.

This program will support and promote the equitable participation of the following persons and groups within the administration of Halifax Regional Municipality:

• Racially visible persons
• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Aboriginal persons

By endorsing such a program, Council commits Halifax Regional Municipality to an Employment Equity program that is accountable and results oriented.

In support of this policy, HRM’s Employment Equity Program consists of a variety of initiatives including the following:

• Qualified members of the under-represented communities are actively encouraged to apply for available employment opportunities with HRM.
• Qualified members of the under-represented communities are encouraged to self-identify in their employment application in order to be recognized as an applicant from an Employment Equity community.
• Special measures may be taken to develop pools of qualified applicants from the designated communities.
• Designated recruitment initiatives may be conducted.
• HRM may conduct community outreach activities to communicate its desire to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Policy.