The Canadian government is challenging the constitutionality of the country's new anti-genetic discrimination law, Bloomberg BNA reports.
The law, which was passed in March, adds genetic traits as protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It further bars companies from requiring employees to undergo genetic testing or disclose results of genetic testing, and prohibits insurance companies from requiring testing to receive coverage. Bloomberg BNA notes that the law took effect May 4.
The bill was criticized by insurance groups and was opposed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He argued that it was unconstitutional and intruded on provinces' right to regulate the insurance market.
That argument is now heading to court, according to Bloomberg BNA. A spokesperson for the federal Justice Minister says that the government will be asking the Supreme Court of Canada to review the law to assess whether its requirements are constitutional. The minister had also raised concerns that provinces, not the federal government, typically regulate contracts, Bloomberg BNA adds.