Canada has become a multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society, but non-whites, the "visible minorities (VMs)," face pay and employment discrimination in both the public and the private sector. Lack of statistical data by race and by region about job segregation, income levels, and promotions make it difficult to determine the extent of discrimination against any one group. However, a number of studies indicate that VMs are underrepresented in the workforce and are being denied full participation in public institutions. Affirmative action and contract compliance programs may provide a solution. The Employment Equity Act of 1986 promotes affirmative action at the federal level and applies to contractors supplying goods and services to the federal government. Voluntary affirmative action programs are legal in all Canadian jurisdictions, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Supreme Courts of both Canada and the United States have upheld the validity of affirmative action programs in both countries. Studies in the United States indicate that contract compliance programs that incorporate affirmative action plans are effective in increasing the employment, occupational mobility, and earnings of minority groups. The Canadian federal contractors program, which shows promise of improving the employment opportunities of the VMs, is vigorously enforced by the Canada Employment Immigration Commission. Policy recommendations are made. A translation in French is included. A list of 59 references is appended. (FMW)