Minister of Finance Joe Oliver during a federal election debate hosted by The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept, 30, 2015.MARTA IWANEK/The Canadian Press
The Conservatives would revive a bill banning genetic discrimination if re-elected, Finance Minister Joe Oliver said in a debate on issues important to the Jewish community.
The Protection Against Genetic Discrimination Act, which amends human rights and privacy laws, was introduced in June but died when Parliament was dissolved.
Oliver vowed Wednesday to reintroduce the bill in the first session if the Conservatives form the next government, but said the provinces – which have jurisdiction over insurance and employment laws – would have to take action as well.
His two opponents – NDP candidate Hal Berman and Liberal Bill Morneau – also promised to make it illegal to discriminate based on the results of genetic testing.
There are currently no laws in Canada that specifically prohibit genetic discrimination, although there appears to be broad political consensus around the issue.
The issue was flagged as a priority by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, which hosted the debate in the Toronto riding of York Centre.
"We're actually the only G7 country that doesn't have protections against being compelled to disclose results of a genetic test," said Sara Lefton, the organization's vice-president for the Greater Toronto Area.
"Your insurance company, in some circumstances, can withhold coverage, and your employer, in some circumstances, can withhold promotions," she said.
"For our community, it becomes an important issue ... because there are certain genetic diseases that are particularly predominant in the Jewish community," she said, citing the gene that causes ovarian and breast cancers.
All three candidates also repeated their support for Israel throughout the debate.
The Conservatives' vocal support for Israel has drawn consistent praise from many segments of the Jewish community, who traditionally voted for the Liberals.
Although the Harper government has moved closer to Israel than any previous government, Canada still supports a two-state solution and formally opposes the continued construction of Israeli settlements.
York Centre, just north of Oliver's riding of Eglinton-Lawrence, was a longtime Liberal stronghold until it was won by Conservative Mark Adler in the 2011 election.