FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 6, 2009

Wasylycia-Leis Calls For End To Genetic Discrimination

OTTAWA – Insurance companies must not be allowed to use genetic tests or family medical histories to deny coverage to Canadians, says New Democrat Health Critic Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg-North).

Ms. Wasylycia-Leis introduced a motion in Parliament today that calls for protection for Canadians from “genetic discrimination” on the part of insurance companies.

“Health insurance is not meant to serve the healthy – it’s there to help the sick when they need it,” said Wasylycia-Leis. “Insurance companies are turning information designed to help protect our health into tools to deny us health protection.

“We’ve seen health insurance companies in the U.S. use any excuse to cut risk and protect profits,” said Wasylycia-Leis. “Canadians prefer a system based on equality, not discrimination, with everyone getting the care they need.”

Her motion, M-444, reads:
“That, in the opinion of the House, the government should develop and implement anti-discrimination protections with respect to genetic information, including, but not limited to, information gathered through genetic testing and family history, that include:
A.    effective enforcement mechanisms;
B.     a standing body mandated to document cases, evaluate the effectiveness of anti-discrimination protections, and make recommendations to the government about the uses of genetic information and direct-to-consumer testing;
C.    a public awareness campaign to focus attention on the issue of genetic discrimination and its link to genetic testing and research.”

Wasylycia-Leis, who in 2003 introduced a motion calling for freedom from all forms of genetics-based discrimination, today attended the launch of a new Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness, which is pushing to enshrine anti-discrimination rights.  The Coalition represents 14 health advocacy organizations including: ALS Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CORD, Huntington Society of Canada, Kidney Foundation of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Osteoporosis Canada, Ovarian Cancer Canada, Parkinson Society of Canada, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada.

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For more information:
Chuck Brabazon, Office of Judy Wasylycia-Leis, 613-996-6425