We all know that the wages and compensation individuals receive in private competitive markets reflects their productivity, unless pesky unions and government regulations get in the way -- because Economics 101 (and Michael Hlinka) have told us so.

Corporate CEOs are worth every penny their "independent compensation committees" award in compensation and stock options them because they are "creating value" and hedge fund operators are worth the billions they made helping the world learn about the impact of financial crises. Meanwhile, minimum wage workers, union members and public sector workers must all be overpaid because regulations, unions with their monopsony power, accommodating politicians and labour laws have all interfered with the magic of the market.

Last night the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission hosted a panel discussion on pay equity issues in New Brunswick. Panel members included representatives from government, the NGO sector, an academic and a practicing labour and employment lawyer.

This effort by the Commission should be applauded, as the initiative was successful in providing a forum to discuss pay equity with participants, as well as, attract attention to the issue from local media. It is events such as these, in accordance with the Commission's educational mandate, which are so often overshadowed by the highly demanding complaints investigation and resolution functions of the Commission. Nevertheless, the important of educational initiatives should not be neglected.