With employment equity plans, the Commission sets numerical goals for the employment of members of each designated group. Statistics Canada provides different figures for the representation of persons with disabilities in Saskatchewan's working age population, depending on the degree of disability involved. Statistics Canada's 1991 Health and Activity Limitation Survey shows that people with moderate to severe disabilities make up 9.67 percent of Saskatchewan's working age population. In most cases, these individuals require job accommodation. If people with milder disabilities are also included, the percentage increases to 16.6 percent.
Some employers also have limited understanding of what an employment-related disability involves.
Unless they encounter attitudinal barriers, they may not need the special measures that are part of an employment equity plan. A narrower definition of disability will allow a more effective use of employment equity plans and enable persons with disabilities that require accommodation to participate in and contribute equally to a workforce which is more reflective of the Saskatchewan community. To establish consistency and promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission adopts the following definition and goals for the purposes of employment equity plans under section 47 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code .