Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (S.C. 2017, c. 3)

R.S., c. H-6Canadian Human Rights Act

9 Section 2 of the Canadian Human Rights Act is replaced by the following:

• 10 (1) Subsection 3(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:

  Marginal note:Prohibited grounds of discrimination

  • 3 (1) For all purposes of this Act, the prohibited grounds of discrimination are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.

• (2) Section 3 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (2):

  • Marginal note:Idem

    (3) Where the ground of discrimination is refusal of a request to undergo a genetic test or to disclose, or authorize the disclosure of, the results of a genetic test, the discrimination shall be deemed to be on the ground of genetic characteristics.

Coordinating Amendments

Marginal note:Bill C-16

• 11 (1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply if Bill C-16, introduced in the 1st session of the 42nd Parliament and entitled An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (in this section referred to as the “other Act”), receives royal assent.

• (2) On the first day on which both section 1 of the other Act and section 9 of this Act are in force, section 2 of the Canadian Human Rights Act is replaced by the following:

  Marginal note:Purpose

  2 The purpose of this Act is to extend the laws in Canada to give effect, within the purview of matters coming within the legislative authority of Parliament, to the principle that all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society, without being hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.

• (3) On the first day on which both section 2 of the other Act and subsection 10(1) of this Act are in force, subsection 3(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act is replaced by the following:

  Marginal note:Prohibited grounds of discrimination

  • 3 (1) For all purposes of this Act, the prohibited grounds of discrimination are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.