JONES CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO END GENETIC DISCRIMINATION

(Queen’s Park) – On November 3rd the Ontario Legislature will be debating important legislation co-sponsored by Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon that will end genetic discrimination in Ontario.

“Individuals who undergo genetic testing can be compelled by insurance companies and employers to disclose their results and may be denied employment or insurance because of their genetic characteristics,” Jones said.

“Some individuals are getting tests without knowing the risks, such as having to pay a disproportionally higher insurance premium. In some cases, individuals forego potentially life-saving tests because of fear of discrimination,” Jones said.

“It is important we protect a person’s rights and that includes their genetic characteristics. That is why I co-sponsored Bill 30 – the Human Rights Code Amendment Act (Genetic Characteristics), 2016, introduced by Mike Colle, MPP Eglinton-Lawrence,” Jones said.

“If passed, Bill 30 will incorporate genetic characteristics into the Human Rights Code as a prohibited ground of discrimination,” Jones said.

“It’s time for the law to catch up with science and bring an end to genetic discrimination in Ontario,” Jones said.

To read more about what Jones is doing in the Legislature please visit: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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For more information, contact:
Christopher Dacunha
416-325-1898
sylvia.jonesla@pc.ola.org