genetic test

Genetic discrimination provisions in human rights legislation: Will Ontario be the first Canadian jurisdiction?

March 8, 2017 Christina Catenacci Employee Relations, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Recruiting and Hiring, Union Relations

Canada is on its way to including provisions in human rights legislation that prevents discrimination based on a person’s genetic characteristics. The issue is that a person can experience discrimination and harassment simply because of something that may be—something that has the potential of happening. Employers must be aware that human rights legislation is in the process of evolving to include provisions to prevent this type of discrimination, and this will apply in the workplace as well.

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Genetic non-discrimination: Update on Bill S-201

August 4, 2016 Christina Catenacci Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Privacy and Security, Union Relations

Bill S-201 would prohibit any person from requiring an individual to undergo a genetic test as a condition of: providing goods or services to that individual; entering into or continuing a contract or agreement with that individual; or offering or continuing specific terms or conditions in a contract or agreement with that individual. Those who contravene the rules would be subject to severe penalties.

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