The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (French: Loi sur la non-discrimination génétique) of 2017, also known as Bill S-201 during the 2nd Session of the 41st Parliament of Canada and the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament of Canada, originated in a Private Member's Bill.[1][2] It was introduced by Senators James Cowan[3] and Jennifer O'Connell.[1] The Act was designed to prevent genetic discrimination which might "come in the form of unfair insurance practices, being passed over for a promotion, and even being fired. Unfortunately, there are a number of documented cases of genetic discrimination in Canada."[1][4]
| Genetic Non-Discrimination Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Canada | |
| |
| Citation | SC 2017, c. 3 |
| Passed by | Senate |
| Passed | 14 April 2016 |
| Passed by | House of Commons |
| Passed | 8 March 2017 |
| Royal assent | 4 May 2017 |
| Legislative history | |
| First chamber: Senate | |
| Bill citation | S-201, 42nd Parliament, 1st Session |
| Introduced by | Jim Cowan |
| First reading | 8 December 2015 |
| Second reading | 27 January 2016 |
| Third reading | 14 April 2016 |
| Second chamber: House of Commons | |
| First reading | 3 May 2016 |
| Second reading | 26 October 2016 |
| Third reading | 8 March 2017 |
| Status: In force | |
Content and interpretation
editThe Act has heads of Interpretation and Prohibitions and Offences and Punishment.[5] The contravening party can be punished by up to a $1,000,000 fine and by up to a five-year prison sentence.[5]
The definition of a genetic test by this legislation is "a test that analyzes DNA, RNA or chromosomes for purposes such as the prediction of disease or vertical transmission risks, or monitoring, diagnosis or prognosis."[5]
In the media
editThe Globe and Mail published an opinion piece upon passage of the Act in 2017 by their in-house healthcare analyst André Picard in which he said the "Anti-genetic-discrimination bill is little more than virtue signalling".[6]
In the Supreme Court
editIn spring 2020, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the law by a 5-4 margin, in a case originating when in 2018 the Attorney-General of Quebec asked the province's Court of Appeal to overturn the law because he held that it was an invalid expression of the exclusive federal power under s. 91(27) of the Constitution Act 1867 to regulate criminal matters.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Bill S-201 (Historical)". openparliament.ca.
- ^ Walker, Julian (2016-12-06). "Legislative Summary of Bill S-201: An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination". No. Publication No. 42-1-S201-E. Library of Parliament. Legal and Social Affairs Division.
- ^ "Senate Public Bill S-201 - An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination". PARLIAMENT OF CANADA. LEGISinfo. 2017-05-04.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Adhopia, Vik (14 March 2017). "Genetic anti-discrimination law protects patient privacy without sacrificing research". CBC.
- ^ a b c "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Genetic Non-Discrimination Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. May 4, 2017.
- ^ Picard, André (9 March 2017). "Anti-genetic-discrimination bill is little more than virtue signalling". The Globe and Mail Inc.
- ^ "Reference re Genetic Non‑Discrimination Act". Supreme Court Judgments. 2020 SCC 17. 2020-07-10.
- ^ Karn, Bernice; O'Donnell, Katie-May; Goodman, Gordon (26 August 2020). "Genetic Non-Discrimination Act Upheld By The Supreme Court: Implications For Insurers". Mondaq Ltd.