April 20, 2017
Canada is testing the effectiveness of applying name-blind recruitment techniques in the federal civil service.
This project will compare outcomes associated with traditional screening of applicants with screening in which managers are blinded to applicant’s names.
The President of the Treasury Board, Scott Brison and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussein announced this initiative a joint news conference in Toronto.
The Public Service Commission would lead the pilot supported by the Treasury Board to ensure the effects of concealing applicants’ names, email addresses, countries of origin and employment from some externally advertised jobs.
The final report is to be released by October 2017.
Ahmed Hussein made the suggestion of a name-blind recruitment while he was an MP and not yet a member of Cabinet.
“There is space in the administration for Members of Parliament to bring forward innovative ideas,” he said.
