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“The idea you’d create an advertised program and say ‘We’ll only accept you if have this racial ancestry’…That’s repugnant,” Thomas told the Post. “We wouldn’t tolerate a small business … only advancing people because they are of one race or another. It would be a scandal.

“The idea that this could take root in the Ontario government, it’s got to be troubling to every Ontarian of good conscience.”

The government memo, first obtained by the Toronto Sun, adds that 26% of black employees in the Ontario Public Service are in a administrative position, compared to 17% of the entire organization. Additionally, 46% of black administrative employees are unhappy with their career progression, compared to 27% of the rest of employees.

Jenna Mannone, press secretary to Government Services Minister John Milloy, said the program shows the Ontario public service is committed to diversity and inclusion.

“The OPS always hires based on merit. This pilot project is a career mentorship program for employees already employed in the OPS,” she said in an email to the Post.

“There are a number of professional development initiatives that exist throughout the OPS. For example, this fall, a first-of-its-kind Administrative Professionals Learning and Development Program was launched that is available to all employees, in all regions across Ontario. About 180 employees are now increasing their knowledge and skills and evaluating potential careers paths and goals through classroom courses, e-learning and access to career coaching.”

We wouldn’t tolerate a small business … only advancing people because they are of one race or another. It would be a scandal

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne Thursday that “in 2011, 43% of companies listed on TSX had no female board member” and linked to aOntario government release encouraging “gender diversity on boards and senior management.”