On June 17 Bill S-201, The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, will be tabled again in the House of Commons. This Bill prohibits any person from requiring an individual to undergo a genetic test or disclose the results of a genetic test as a condition of providing goods or services to, entering into or continuing a contract or agreement with, or offering specific conditions in a contract or agreement with, the individual. Exceptions are provided for health care practitioners and researchers. The enactment provides individuals with other protections related to genetic testing and test results and prohibits discrimination on the ground of genetic characteristics.
We need you to speak out and stand-up in support of this legislation.
Here is an example letter but we encourage you to explain the bill's importance using your personal voice and experiences:
I am writing to bring your attention to Bill S-201, the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, currently under consideration by the Parliament of Canada. The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this year, and is now with the House of Commons.
Bill S-201 protects people from being required to undergo a genetic test, or disclose the results of a test, as a condition to acquiring a good or service, or entering into a contractual agreement. It also prohibits genetic discrimination in the workplace and as a human right. Its passage will reassure Canadians that they can participate in genetics research and make use of medical advances that stem from such research without fear of discrimination.
Warmest regards,
Mary McDonald, CEO