The Human Rights Code Amendment Act (Genetic Characteristics)

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4th Session, 41st Legislature

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Bill 222

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CODE AMENDMENT ACT (GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS)

Bilingual version (PDF)

Explanatory Note

(Assented to )

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

C.C.S.M. c. H175 amended

The Human Rights Code is amended by this Act.

Section 1 is amended by adding the following definition:

"genetic characteristics" means genetic traits of an individual, including traits that may cause or increase the risk to develop a disorder or disease; (« caractéristiques génétiques »)

3(1)

Subsection 9(2) is amended by adding the following after clause (l):

(l.1) genetic characteristics;

3(2)

The following is added after subsection 9(2.1):

Refusal to undergo or disclose results of genetic test

9(2.2)

Discrimination on the basis of genetic characteristics includes discrimination based on a person's refusal to comply with a request to undergo a genetic test or to disclose, or authorize the disclosure of, the results of a genetic test.

Coming into force

This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.

Explanatory Note

A genetic test might reveal that a person has an inherited condition that will increase their risk of one day needing advanced health care or being unable to work. This information can affect decisions made about a person, such as whether they should be hired or qualify for life or disability insurance and employment.

This Bill therefore amends The Human Rights Code to prohibit discrimination on the ground of genetic characteristics. This includes discrimination in circumstances where a person refuses a request to undergo a genetic test or to disclose, or authorize the disclosure of, the results of a genetic test.