In The News Assignment Social Sciences Case Study Paper

In The News Assignment

Name

University of Waterloo

Date

Main issue and competing perspectives

Genetic testing is increasingly common where there is DNA genome sequencing making it possible to identify mutations and risk to certain diseases. While Joe willingly allowed genetic testing, discrimination is against the law, yet it appears that it was a case of genetic discrimination. On the other hand, the company conducts risk assessment and does not want to incur future losses from lawsuits related to chemical exposure. Healthy and safety is a top priority for employers, but there is risk of discrimination and there are privacy concerns about the company uses genetic testing information (Zukerman, 2009). On one hand, there are laws focusing on workplace health and safety and on the other, there are those addressing discrimination and privacy concerns. Genetic testing is useful to ensure workplace safety, but it may compromise employee rights and result in genetic discrimination.

Canadian legal/legislation-based arguments

Canadian law emphasizes the need to protect employee rights and employee non discrimination. Under the Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-6), employers are required to ensure that people affected by the organization are treated equally. in section 9(1) (c) employee organizations are prohibited from discriminating against employees if “ to limit, segregate, classify or otherwise act in relation to an individual in a way that would deprive the individual of employment opportunities, or limit employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of the individual,” (Canadian Human Rights Act, 1985). Furthermore, employers are required to focus on the duty to accommodate individuals, but there are limits if this causes undue hardship on the employers. Bill S-201 (Genetic Non-Discrimination Act) failed to pass in 2017, yet would have addressed prohibition and prevention of genetic discrimination, especially, where insurance companies are involved. The bill would include limits on sharing genetic testing results for insurance companies, physicians and researchers.

Canada’s labor code allows the provinces and territory to adopt health and safety regulations laws. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Act R.S.C., 1985, c. C-13 promoting the right to workplace health and safety where centres are established to enhance this (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Act). The right and duties to promote health and safety then means that employers ensue that there are no workplace hazards, where there is emphasis on internal responsibility the parties include the employers, owners, constructors supervisors and workers and some suppliers. The Canada Labour Code applies at the federal level and used...