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* your genetic information is protected*

What is GNDA?

The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (2017) is a federal law that protects Canadians, in Canada, from being forced to take a genetic test or share a genetic test result and from discrimination based on their genetic test results

How does GNDA define a genetic test?

A test that analyzes DNA, RNA or chromosomes for purposes such as the prediction of disease or inheritance risks, or monitoring, diagnosis or prognosis. 

What does the GNDA do?

• Prohibits requiring someone to take a genetic test as a condition for a contract, service, or employment.
• Prohibits requiring disclosure of existing genetic test results to access insurance, employment, or services
• Makes it illegal to deny goods or services, or to change the terms of a contract (for example, higher premiums or refusal of insurance).
• Genetic test results cannot be used when making human resources decisions relating to employment.

What the GNDA does not do?

• The GNDA does not stop an individual from voluntarily choosing to share genetic test results with their healthcare
• It does not cover non-genetic health information (e.g., cholesterol levels, family history, lifestyle factors). team, family, or insurer
• Some insurers may still ask questions about family medical history—this is not considered genetic test information under the law.
• Some insurers may still ask questions about family medical history—this is not considered genetic test information under the law.
• Healthcare practitioners and researchers can still discuss or offer a genetic test if it’s relevant to your health or to the research you’ve consented to. You have the right to choose whether to have a genetic test.

Takeaway

The GNDA helps ensure that Canadians can benefit from genetic testing (for healthcare, family planning, or research) without fear of discrimination.

In Canada, your genetic information is yours to control. You cannot be required to take a genetic test or to share the results, and your genetic test results cannot be used against you by an employer or insurer.

Online resources

• Full Legislation (Justice Canada): Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (S.C. 2017, c. 3)
• Parliamentary Legislative Summary (Plain-language overview of the Bill, context, and key provisions): Legislative Summary of Bill S-201
• Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC): Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Healthcare Implications (Discusses the GNDA’s impact on genetic testing and clinical practice): Peer-reviewed article (PMC)

• Genetic Discrimination Observatory: https://gdo.global/
• Canadian Human Rights Commission (making a complaint): https://www.chrcccdp.gc.ca/en/complaints/make-a-complaint

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