What is the primary purpose of affirmative action programs?

What is the primary purpose of affirmative action programs?

• A. They apply to all 16 prohibited grounds in the Code
• B. Special programs to help disadvantaged groups overcome historic and ongoing barriers
• C. Scholarships for students with disabilities
• D. Must apply to OHRC for approval

Answer: (B)

Affirmative action programs are about promoting equal opportunity by taking proactive steps to help groups that have been historically and systemically disadvantaged. Their purpose is to address barriers that persist over time, so members of those groups can access jobs, promotions, and education on a fairer footing. That’s why describing them as special programs to help disadvantaged groups overcome historic and ongoing barriers fits best. They aren’t just scholarships for people with disabilities or blanket rules applying to all grounds, and they don’t require formal approval from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to operate (though they must align with the Code and follow applicable guidance).

Affirmative action programs are about promoting equal opportunity by taking proactive steps to help groups that have been historically and systemically disadvantaged. Their purpose is to address barriers that persist over time, so members of those groups can access jobs, promotions, and education on a fairer footing. That’s why describing them as special programs to help disadvantaged groups overcome historic and ongoing barriers fits best. They aren’t just scholarships for people with disabilities or blanket rules applying to all grounds, and they don’t require formal approval from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to operate (though they must align with the Code and follow applicable guidance).