Introduction of Private Members' Bill to end Genetic Discrimination

Bill C-508. Introduction and first reading

Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North, NDP) moved for leave to introduce Bill C-508, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (genetic characteristics).

She said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honoured to introduce this bill to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act in order to protect Canadians from discrimination on the basis of their genetic characteristics.

I want to thank my colleague, the member for Hamilton Mountain, for her support with this bill, and I want to urge all members to consider passing it as quickly as possible.

It addresses the fact that genetic discrimination is already targeting and penalizing some persons, and is increasing as genetic testing proliferates. The bill is consistent with the Canadian Human Rights Act principles, and is a statement about our acceptance of personal differences, about the integrity of the person whose most basic traits and genetic makeup must not be the basis for discriminatory treatment.

I would like to thank those who helped make this bill possible, starting with Jo Anne Watton, who is with the Huntington Society of Canada as well as Vern Barrett, the Huntington Society in Winnipeg, Howard Koks, the Parkinson Society in Manitoba and all members of the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)