Bill S-201 explained in plain English
An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
This bill prohibits requiring genetic tests or disclosing their results as a condition for goods, services, or contracts, while also amending labour and human rights laws to protect against genetic discrimination.
Bill S-201, also known as the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, aims to prevent discrimination based on genetic test results. It prohibits requiring individuals to undergo or disclose the results of genetic tests as a condition of receiving goods or services, or entering into or continuing contracts. The bill includes exceptions for medical professionals and researchers. It also amends the Canada Labour Code to protect employees from genetic testing requirements and discrimination, and the Canadian Human Rights Act to explicitly include genetic characteristics as a prohibited ground for discrimination.
- Prohibits any person from requiring an individual to undergo a genetic test as a condition of providing goods or services, entering into or continuing a contract, or offering specific terms in a contract.
- Prohibits any person from requiring an individual to disclose the results of a genetic test as a condition of providing goods or services, entering into or continuing a contract, or offering specific terms in a contract.
- Prohibits refusing to provide goods or services, enter into or continue a contract, or offer specific terms in a contract to an individual because they refused to undergo a genetic test or disclose its results.
- Creates exceptions for physicians, other medical professionals, and researchers conducting medical or scientific research.
- Provides an exception for certain high-value insurance contracts if provincial laws permit insurers to require the disclosure of existing genetic test results.
- Amends the Canada Labour Code to prohibit employers from requiring employees to undergo or disclose genetic test results and from taking disciplinary action based on those results.
- Amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on genetic characteristics.
- Establishes penalties for contravening the prohibitions related to genetic testing requirements and disclosure.
- Individuals seeking goods or services
- Individuals entering into or continuing contracts
- Medical practitioners and researchers
- Insurance providers and individuals entering into high-value insurance contracts
- Employees
- Employers
- Medical professionals
- Researchers
- Individuals have the right not to be required to undergo a genetic test or disclose its results as a condition of receiving goods, services, or entering into contracts.
- Employees have the right not to undergo or be required to disclose genetic test results.
- Employees have the right not to face disciplinary action or other penalties for refusing a genetic test or disclosing its results, or based on the results of a test they took.
- Employers are prohibited from using or disclosing an employee's genetic test results without their written permission.
- Individuals have the right to be free from discrimination based on genetic characteristics.
- The bill was first read on October 17, 2013.
- Contravention of sections 3 or 4 can result in a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for up to five years on indictment, or a fine of up to $300,000 or imprisonment for up to twelve months on summary conviction.
- Contravention of sections 3 or 4 is an offence liable to fines and/or imprisonment.
- For contravention of sections 3 or 4 on indictment: up to $1,000,000 fine or up to five years imprisonment, or both.
- For contravention of sections 3 or 4 on summary conviction: up to $300,000 fine or up to twelve months imprisonment, or both.
- Employees can file complaints with an inspector under the Canada Labour Code if an employer contravenes provisions related to genetic testing.
- Adjudicators can order employers to cease contravening provisions, reinstate employees, pay compensation, rescind disciplinary actions, and take other equitable steps to remedy contraventions.
- The bill does not specify what constitutes a 'high-value' insurance contract beyond the monetary thresholds provided.
- The application of provincial laws permitting insurers to require genetic test results for high-value insurance contracts is dependent on those provincial laws.
- The bill text does not specify when it will come into force.
Adds provisions to protect employees from being required to undergo or disclose genetic test results, and prohibits employers from taking disciplinary action based on genetic test results or an employee's refusal to take one.
Source: Section 8
Adds 'genetic characteristics' as a prohibited ground of discrimination, and clarifies that refusing a genetic test or disclosure of results constitutes discrimination based on genetic characteristics.
Source: Sections 9, 10, and 11
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
This artifact details the initial procedural steps of Bill S-201 in the Senate, including its first reading and a committee referral change, and notes its current status as 'At report stage'.
This record describes the procedural steps for Bill S-201, an Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, in the Senate. It notes that the bill had its first reading on October 17, 2013. It also mentions that the bill was later withdrawn from the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights on June 16, 2014. The bill's current status is 'At report stage in the Senate'.
On October 17, 2013, the Senate held its first reading for Bill S-201 concerning genetic discrimination and engaged in debates on leadership changes, other legislative matters, and government policies.
This artifact documents the proceedings of the Senate on October 17, 2013. The Senate officially began its sitting with the introduction of several bills, including Bill S-201, which aims to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination. The artifact also includes discussions on various topics, such as the appointment of new Senate leaders, the Nobel Prize awarded to Alice Munro, and notices of motions concerning the suspension of certain senators. Additionally, there were questions and answers regarding government policy on Aboriginal affairs, RCMP access to information, tax evasion, and child care spaces.
The Senate engaged in second reading debates for Bill S-201, a bill aimed at preventing genetic discrimination, and subsequently referred it to a different committee.
The Senate had its second reading of Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, on various dates in 2013 and 2014. During this stage, Senators debated the bill. On June 16, 2014, a motion was adopted to withdraw the bill from the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and refer it to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. The bill was at the report stage in the Senate as of the last update.
During a Senate sitting on November 26, 2013, the debate on Bill S-201, concerning genetic discrimination, was adjourned.
This document is a record of a Senate sitting on November 26, 2013. While the sitting covered various topics including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, visitors, and other bills, it also included a debate on Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination. This specific debate was adjourned, meaning it was not completed during this sitting.
During a Senate sitting on February 5, 2014, a debate on Bill S-201, aimed at preventing genetic discrimination, occurred, alongside discussions on various other legislative and procedural matters.
This Senate sitting on February 5, 2014, included a debate on Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination. Senator James S. Cowan, the sponsor of the bill, explained its purpose: to protect Canadians from genetic discrimination in employment and insurance. He highlighted the rapid advancements in genetic testing and the potential for discrimination to prevent individuals from accessing these tests and the resulting health benefits. The bill aims to create a new Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, amend the Canada Labour Code, and add genetic characteristics as a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. The debate also included discussions on other matters, such as the situation of refugee children, tributes to deceased individuals, congratulations to a musician, updates on the Alberta Winter Games, tabling of reports from parliamentary associations, and debates on climate change strategy, defence procurement, and budget issues related to the Department of National Defence. Additionally, there was a second reading debate on Bill C-16 concerning the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Governance Agreement, and a second reading and referral to committee of Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
During a Senate debate on February 5, 2014, Senator James S. Cowan sponsored Bill S-201, aiming to prevent genetic discrimination in employment and insurance due to advancements in genetic testing, while other Senate business was also addressed.
This Senate debate record from February 5, 2014, discusses Bill S-201, "An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination." The sponsor of the bill, Senator James S. Cowan, explains its purpose: to protect Canadians from discrimination based on genetic test results in employment and insurance. He highlights the rapid advancements in genetic testing and the potential for individuals to be denied insurance or jobs if their genetic predispositions are revealed. The bill aims to create a legal framework to prevent this, with specific provisions for employers and certain high-value insurance contracts. The debate also included other Senate business, such as discussions on Syrian refugee children, tributes to deceased individuals, reports tabled by delegations, and debates on other bills concerning First Nations governance, financial administration, and corrections. The debate on Bill S-201 was adjourned.
During a Senate sitting on April 1, 2014, various matters were addressed, including the second reading and referral to committee of Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination.
On April 1, 2014, the Senate met. The Senate's agenda included several items unrelated to Bill S-201, such as recognizing Parkinson's Awareness Month, discussing the condition of historical buildings, and addressing violence against women. There was also a debate on mandatory minimum sentencing laws and a discussion about the proposed Fair Elections Act. The Senate then proceeded to the second reading of Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination. Following a debate on the bill, it was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The Senate also discussed and adopted amendments to the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators and continued debates on other inquiries and bills.
The Senate record for April 1, 2014, includes proceedings on Bill S-201 regarding genetic discrimination, debates on criminal justice and election laws, discussions on the Canada Periodical Fund, and reflections on the Senate's institutional roles.
This Senate record details the proceedings of April 1, 2014. It includes various announcements, tabled reports, and debates on different topics. Notably, there is a discussion about Bill S-201, "An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination," which was read a second time and referred to committee. The record also contains debates on mandatory minimum sentences, the Fair Elections Act (Bill C-23), and issues related to the Canada Periodical Fund. Several senators also spoke on the history, investigative role, and parliamentary diplomacy of the Senate.
During a Senate sitting on June 16, 2014, Bill S-201 was referred to a different committee, and tributes were paid to Senator Roméo Dallaire upon his retirement.
This Senate sitting record from June 16, 2014, primarily details proceedings related to Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination. The key procedural event regarding this bill was a motion to withdraw it from the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and refer it to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, which was adopted. The sitting also included tributes to Senator Roméo Dallaire upon his retirement, discussions on various other bills and reports, and other routine Senate business.
This Senate artifact outlines the completion of the 'Consideration in committee' stage for Bill S-201 on February 19, 2015, and includes a procedural motion to change the committee to which the bill was referred.
This artifact details the procedural steps for Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, within the Senate. It notes that the bill completed its 'Consideration in committee' stage on February 19, 2015. It also records a procedural motion adopted on June 16, 2014, to withdraw the bill from one Senate committee and refer it to another. The artifact lists various dates for first reading, second reading, committee consideration, and report stage, indicating the progression of the bill. It also mentions the sponsor's speech and a response speech.
The Senate received the Eleventh Report of the Human Rights Committee on Bill S-201, which outlined amendments made to the bill, and then proceeded with other Senate business.
On February 19, 2015, the Senate debated and presented committee reports. A key procedural item related to Bill S-201, "An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination," was the presentation of the Eleventh Report of the Human Rights Committee. This report detailed amendments made by the committee to Bill S-201 and was placed on the Order Paper for consideration at a later date. The rest of the sitting involved discussions on various other matters, including other bills, committee reports, and topical issues.
On May 5, 2015, the Senate was considering Bill S-201 at the report stage, which aims to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, with the stage not yet completed.
The Senate was at the report stage of Bill S-201, an act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, on May 5, 2015. The stage was not yet completed. Earlier, on March 31, 2015, the bill had reached the report stage. The Senate also debated the bill at second reading on various dates, with major speeches from James S. Cowan on February 6, 2014, and Linda Frum on April 1, 2014. The bill was referred to committees multiple times for consideration. On June 16, 2014, a motion was adopted to withdraw the bill from the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and refer it to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. This artifact does not contain the full text of the bill or indicate if it has become law.
On March 31, 2015, the Senate debated Bill S-201 concerning genetic discrimination, with discussions highlighting constitutional concerns and proposed amendments, alongside other legislative and procedural business.
This record details a sitting of the Senate on March 31, 2015, where various matters were discussed and addressed. A key item was the debate on Bill S-201, the "Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill." The Senate considered the eleventh report of the Human Rights Committee regarding this bill, which proposed amendments. The debate focused on concerns about the bill's constitutionality, particularly regarding insurance regulation which falls under provincial jurisdiction, and the proposed broad definition of "genetic characteristics." Amendments were made to delete clauses related to insurance and other areas, leaving a clause addressing genetic discrimination in federally regulated workplaces. Other proceedings included debates on bills related to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Rouge National Urban Park, and appropriation bills. The Senate also heard tributes, received reports, and debated various motions.
On May 5, 2015, the Senate sat, officially appointed Senator Leo Housakos as Speaker, heard various reports, and debated Bill S-201 concerning genetic discrimination, with a call to defeat a committee report that had significantly altered the bill.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting held on May 5, 2015. The sitting included the swearing-in of the new Speaker, Senator Leo Housakos, who delivered an inaugural address. Several reports were tabled, including committee reports on budgets and international delegations. There was also debate on Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, during which Senator James S. Cowan proposed defeating the committee's report and restoring the bill to its original form. Other discussions and bills mentioned included proposed legislation on National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, the Battle of the Atlantic, Expo Milano 2015, tougher penalties for child predators, and National Day of the Midwife. A debate also occurred concerning the case of Sergei Magnitsky and the potential for Canadian sanctions against foreign nationals.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Third reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for First reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Second reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Consideration in committee yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Report stage yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Third reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced