CLHIA-ACCAP

8 iii. Genetics and Insurance • In June 2015, prior to the federal election, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-68, Protection Against Genetic Discrimination. As a result of our initiatives to explain how insurance works, the proposed Bill had little impact for insurance. Throughout the past year, the CLHIA continued to inform provinces about genetic testing and insurance, both in meetings with Ministers and with officials. These meetings allowed the industry to set out its perspectives on the issue, including the adoption of our Industry Code in September 2014. the customer's perspective and in light of international standards on "treating customers fairly". • Before making the report publicly available, the CLHIA briefed regulators -- Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) and Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organization (CISRO) -- as well as advisor associations about the intent of the report and its recommendations. The report has been received with interest and support. • A number of member companies have already adopted the paper's recommendations around eliminating incentive travel for independent agents. Discussions are also underway between the CLHIA and regulators and advisor associations about implementation. • In July 2015, the CLHIA distributed materials to member companies to assist them in implementing the Industry Code: (i) a Reference Document that outlines some of the options for insurers to consider in providing assistance to insurance applicants who are denied insurance on the basis of a genetic test result; (ii) a model PowerPoint presentation to assist member companies with training employees and informing authorized sales representatives about genetic testing and insurance and the Industry Code; and (iii) a Guide on genetic testing and insurance, including Qs and As. • The CLHIA has also informed the newly-elected Government of Canada of the industry's position on genetic testing, including actions we have taken. However, in December 2015, Senator Cowan re- introduced restrictive Bill S-201. On February 17, the CLHIA appeared July 2015: The CLHIA produced materials to assist members in implementing the Industry Code Board of Directors President's Message Review of the Year's Results Members CLHIA Code of Member Service CLHIA Officers Chair's Message

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