Below is a statement from The American Society of Human Genetics in support of the Canadian Genetic Non-Discrimination Act:
We are 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.
ASHG recently issued a statement of support for S-201, which 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.
We hope you will join us in supporting this important legislation. Please take a moment to write to or email your Member of Parliament (M.P.) to let him or her know you support Bill S-201. We have provided a customizable sample letter and some background information, but encourage you to explain the bill’s importance using your personal voice and experiences.
If you have other ideas or would like to get involved, please email us at policy@ashg.org.
Thank you for your attention,
Derek T. Scholes, PhD
Director of Science Policy
Stephen W. Scherer, PhD
ASHG Board of Directors
The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto
Yvonne Bombard, PhD
ASHG Social Issues Committee
St. Michael’s Hospital and University of Toronto