Special Edition: Call to Action

On Friday June 12, 2009 the Globe and Mail wrote an article entitled Huntington’s history an insurance hurdle. The article’s focus was genetic discrimination. The issue was also raised on Canada AM, CTV News and in the Toronto Star.

We are encouraging as many of our friends across Canada to write to the Editor of the Globe and Mail, the Editor of the Toronto Star and to CTV to express their concerns and experiences (if possible) with genetic discrimination. We have summarized the three main points in the article for your reference. This is a critical issue to all Canadians and should be in the media and brought to the attention of Government, so we are asking our community to make their voices heard.

Even though this study i

s the first of its kind in Canada, HD is not the only genetic disorder (such as Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer) that experiences discrimination.

This study illustrates the need for continued research and improved public policy in order to create a safe and equal society for all Canadians regardless of their genes.

The decision to undergo genetic testing is highly personal and should not be influenced by external economic factors. It is unethical for anyone to feel that they must have genetic testing for economical reasons. No one should feel they must be tested under duress. Similarly, no individual should be discriminated against simply because they have sought out their genetic make-up.

To provide feedback on the article please send your comments to:

Globe and Mail Letters to the Editor

letters@globeandmail.caFax: 416-585-5085

(As per the Globe and Mail the letter must include the name, mailing address and daytime phone number of the writer).

Toronto Star Letters to the Editor

lettertoed@thestar.ca

Fax: 416-869-4322

Mail: One Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario

M5E 1E6. (As per the Star, letters must include full name, address and all phone numbers of sender (daytime, evening and cellphone).

CTV Canada AM am@ctv.caCTV News newsonline@ctv.caMail: P.O. Box 9, Station 'O,' Scarborough, ON M4A2M9Telephone: (416) 384-5000