Protecting your genetic information

The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act protects people in Canada from being discriminated against based on their genetic characteristics. The law prevents third parties, such as employers and insurance companies, from demanding genetic information from individuals and using that information against them.

The legislation amended the Canadian Labour Code and Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), by adding a new ground of discrimination, “genetic characteristics,” to the CHRA. The Act also introduced the first nationwide penalties against genetic discrimination, including a fine of up to $1 million and/or imprisonment for five years. The law includes exceptions for medical, pharmaceutical and scientific purposes.