November 21, 2026, is the 30th anniversary of the Pay Equity Act, a jewel among Québec’s laws that was won by the women’s movement, labour unions, and community organizations after long years of struggle. In acknowledging that predominantly female job classes were too often underpaid because of sexist bias and prejudice, the law made it possible to correct systemic discrimination that was deeply rooted in the labour market.
Over the past thirty years, the Pay Equity Act has helped us better see the value of crucially important jobs often associated with care, clinical support, psychosocial intervention or professional services.
Today, the APTS remembers the road we’ve travelled and acknowledges the legacy we’ve been given by those who carried out the struggle. We are still working to build a society in which women’s work is truly recognized and paid for what it’s worth.
The Pay Equity Act is a historic gain, but the issue of pay equity is fully alive in our actions and struggles.
Commemorative event
On October 7, the APTS brought together three people who contributed, each in their own way, to advance the cause of pay equity in Québec: Louise Harel, Marie-Josée Leroux and Yves Hallée. See what they had to say (in French).
About the panelists
Louise Harel
An experienced parliamentarian and former Minister of State for Employment and Solidarity, Louise Harel was a key actor in drafting and passing the Pay Equity Act in 1996.
Marie-Josée Leroux
Labour unionist and former physiotherapist Marie-Josée Leroux has dedicated a major part of her working life to fighting for pay equity, at the CPS (Centrale des professionnelles et professionnels de la santé) and at the APTS.
Yves Hallée
Yves Hallée, Université Laval professor of industrial relations, is known for his work on pay equity and on efforts to acknowledge the value of jobs held by women. He brings perspective on what progress has been made and what problems still remain.
