In 2024, women earned on average 9% less than men in Quebec, with the gap reaching 14% in certain categories. The CNESST is launching a campaign to raise awareness of this inequality and to highlight the importance of the Pay Equity Act in correcting these disparities.
In 2024, the average wage for women was 9% lower than that of men. The gap was even larger for some groups, such as immigrant women and non-unionized women, who earned about 14% less per hour than their male colleagues. These statistics show there is still work to be done.
In this context, the "Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail" (CNESST) is launching an ad campaign to highlight this persistent wage gap and remind people that enforcing the Pay Equity Act (PEA) helps reduce it.
Starting today and continuing until November 2, the CNESST is airing a 30-second video in French on traditional, digital, and community television, as well as on YouTube. Additional content will appear in articles and digital ads on TVA Nouvelles to reach key workplace stakeholders.
To view the video and learn more about the campaign, visit our dedicated page.
What Is Pay Equity?
Pay equity is a fundamental value in Quebec society and a legal right for all salaried employees, protected since the adoption of the Pay Equity Act in 1996. The law seeks to correct the undervaluation and underpayment of female-dominated jobs resulting from gender-based discrimination.
The PEA ensures that people in female-dominated roles receive equal pay to those in male-dominated roles that are different but assessed as equivalent within an organization. For example, in a garage, the role of administrative assistant (a female-dominated job) may be considered equal in value to that of a mechanic (a male-dominated job), and thus should receive the same pay.
This concept differs from equal pay, which means paying people the same for doing the same job regardless of gender. That right is protected not by the PEA, but by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
What Are the Rights and Obligations Under the Pay Equity Act?
Companies with 10 or more employees must regularly carry out pay equity reviews. Between October 2025 and March 2026, more than 17,000 employers must assess whether female-dominated jobs in their businesses are properly valued and paid. They must also file the Employer’s Pay Equity Declaration (DEMES) with the CNESST to confirm the work is completed.
Employees should ensure that all aspects of their jobs were considered in these reviews and check the posted results. They can provide feedback or ask their employer questions. If an employee believes pay equity is not being respected, they can file a complaint with the CNESST.
Why Is Pay Equity Work Necessary?
This work is crucial because traditionally or predominantly female jobs are often undervalued due to stereotypes and social biases. For instance, traits like attentiveness, compassion, and precision are wrongly seen as “natural” to women, or as traits only associated with men, and are overlooked in assessing the value of female jobs—such as physical strength in caregiving roles. Pay equity work helps bring these overlooked factors to light and ensure fair compensation.
Tools to Support Employers and Employees
The CNESST offers a range of free tools and information to help employers and employees uphold pay equity. These include the CNESST website, the La juste valeur podcast, training sessions, webinars, and a short video with tips for employees.
Earlier this year, the CNESST also launched MonÉquitéSalariale, a free online tool to help businesses conduct their pay equity work.
Quotes
“Pay equity is a societal value and a right for all salaried people in Quebec who hold traditionally or predominantly female jobs. Every workplace can play a role in closing wage gaps for women—for the benefit of all Quebeckers.”
— Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region
“Even today, a real wage gap remains between men and women. Women’s work must be recognized at its full value, and that means making efforts in the workplace to carry out pay equity work. The CNESST is here to guide and support you. Together, we can correct this issue by enforcing the Pay Equity Act.”
— Anouk Gagné, President and CEO, CNESST