Fair employment and employment equity: Policy learning in a comparative context

Abstract

Fair employment policy in Northern Ireland, which concerns the employment prospects of Protestants and Catholics, was substantially revamped in 1989, and, it is suggested, was significantly influenced by Canadian policy. This article sets out the main elements of the policies in the two jurisdictions and illustrates the ‘learning and exchange process’. The next stage of ‘policy learning’ could lead to greater Canadian appreciation of the Northern Ireland approach; Robert Osborne concludes by considering how this example adds to the general understanding of policy developments in Northern Ireland.