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House Bill

Bill C-256

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 03, 2022
An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act (composition of boards of directors)
  • Bill C-256 is an Act that aims to amend the Financial Administration Act in Canada. The purpose of this Act is to ensure gender parity on the boards of directors of parent Crown corporations. It states that these boards should not have fewer women than men serving as directors. The Act also includes provisions for the appointment process, reporting, and review of the gender composition of these boards. If a board is found to be in non-compliance with the gender parity requirement, the appropriate Minister can only appoint women as directors until the balance is achieved. This Act will come into force six years after receiving royal assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: This amendment to the Financial Administration Act, which requires boards of directors of parent Crown corporations to have equal representation of men and women, is a necessary step towards achieving gender equality and improving corporate governance. Women are currently underrepresented on corporate boards, and numerous studies have shown that diverse boards lead to better decision-making and performance. By mandating equal representation, this amendment ensures that the widest talent pool is accessed and that boards are more reflective of the population they serve. It acknowledges that women are active participants in the democratic government and should have balanced representation in positions of influence and decision-making. Furthermore, there are qualified and experienced women in Canada who can effectively serve on boards of directors. This amendment provides them with equal opportunities to be appointe

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing this bill could be as follows: While it is important to strive for gender equality and promote women's representation in various sectors, mandating a specific gender composition for the boards of directors of parent Crown corporations is not the most effective approach. Board composition should be based on merit, qualifications, and experience rather than gender. Forcing a gender quota may create unintended consequences, such as overlooking highly qualified individuals who could bring valuable expertise and skills to the board. It is essential to prioritize meritocracy in order to ensure that the most qualified candidates are appointed, regardless of their gender. Additionally, by imposing a predetermined gender ratio, the bill may undermine individual freedoms and opportunities. Boards of directors should be free to make their own decisions regarding composition based on the specific needs and requiremen
House First Reading
  • March 3, 2022, 10 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read