This report presents the Standing Committee's review of the Employment Equity Act of 1996, as required every five years by legislation. Work of the Committee included hearing from witnesses representing designated groups & employers covered under the Act, departments & agencies involved in administering the Act, and other interested parties. The report begins with a brief overview of the progress made to date in achieving a more representative workplace in those sectors covered under the Act. This is followed by chapters covering key issues raised during the hearings, including: employment equity information, education, training, & outreach; skill acquisition & foreign credential recognition; employment equity coverage; employer obligations; definitions & data used in measuring success; compliance with the Act; and administration of the Act. Recommendations made throughout the report are also listed at the end. A dissenting opinion is appended.