Working together to prevent genetic discrimination for all Canadians

“Genetic Discrimination affects us all! Who has perfect genes?”

The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF) is a group of 18 organizations dedicated to establishing protections against genetic discrimination for all Canadians. Our mission is to educate Canadians about genetic discrimination and to influence federal and provincial governments, and other relevant organizations, to create positive change.

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Ensemble on peut prévenir la discrimination génétique pour le bien de tous les Canadiens

« La discrimination génétique nous concerne tous ! Qui a des gènes parfaits? »

La Coalition canadienne pour l’équité génétique (CCEG) est un organisme-parapluie regroupant 15 organismes voués à la mise en place de protections contre la discrimination génétique pour le bien de tous les Canadiens. Notre mission est de sensibiliser la population canadienne au sujet de la discrimination génétique et d’exercer une influence auprès des gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux et d’autres instances pertinentes, afin de susciter des changements positifs.

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Prior to May 2017, the genetic test information of Canadians was not protected. On May 4, 2017, the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNA) received Royal Assent and was passed into law. This historic law, which passed 3rd reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 222 to 60 in May 2017, enabled all people living in Canada the opportunity to make informed life decisions regarding health and reproduction, without fear of genetic discrimination. This legislation also enabled Canada to remain as a leader in genomic research and has already helped to alleviate the fears of Canadians, encouraging participation in genomics research and clinical trials. All Canadians deserve the right to proactively manage their own health and advance medicine without the fear of genetic discrimination. The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act alleviated that fear and removed barriers, by protecting genetic test information.

In late December, 2018 the Quebec Court of Appeal gave its opinion that the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNA) does not constitute a valid exercise of Parliament’s criminal law power. The Quebec opinion is a step backwards at a time when we should be increasing the protection of our genetic information at federal, provincial and territorial levels. Genetic discrimination is an important issue in Canada and a barrier to science, medicine and the health and well being of people living in Canada. The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act addresses this problem and protects the genetic test information for the benefit of all Canadians. It is important to note that the Quebec Court of Appeal just provided an advisory opinion on the specific questions referred to them, however, this opinion does put the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act at risk. The CCGF is exploring all options as we move forward with our lawyers.

Contact

To find out more please contact us at:

Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness

Email/Courriel: info@ccgf-cceg.ca
Website: ccgf-cceg.ca

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