Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness: Who has perfect genes?

From iPolitics.ca: Canada requires a genetic non-discrimination strategy to ensure genetic data is used properly without fear of repercussion. The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF) will work to win support for a strategy that would prevent insurers and employers from inducing applicants to take genetic tests and from receiving genetic information or family histories, [...]

Do you qualify for the Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund Program?

The Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund Program refunds a portion of the federal excise tax on gasoline bought for use by eligible persons or organizations.  Individuals must be certified by a medical practitioner that they cannot safely use public transportation. For similar topics, visit our Financial Resources page.

Is your spouse in care?

Involuntary Separation If spouses are living apart for reasons beyond their control, there are special rules that apply to certain seniors benefits.  Due to the increased living costs of separate residences the spouses can be treated as single for the purposes of calculating these income-based benefits. This can be easy to miss on the forms, [...]

Genetic Discrimination on CBC’s The Current

from CBC.ca: listen here Wednesday May 25, 2011 Genetic Discrimination If our destiny is in our genes, who has a right to know what that destiny is?  That’s the crux of a growing debate between the insurance industry and private citizens who feel they’re being denied coverage because they might or might not be on [...]

2011/09/14-16 – CMHA National Conference on Mental Health Addresses Human Rights Legislation.

Among other topics, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s National Conference on Mental Health will include a discussion of mental health and human rights.  For those of us who have been pushing for inclusion of genetic discrimination in Canadian and provincial human rights legislation, this may be of interest.  As well, this group’s work could impact day-to-day life for [...]

Alberta MLA Laurie Blakeman questions lack of genetic discrimination legislation

On March 24, 2011, Laurie Blakeman (MLA Edmonton Centre) raised questions about expanding Alberta human rights legislation to include protection against genetic discrimination.  Unfortunately Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett (MLA Calgary North West) arrogantly refused to even discuss the request.  It appears that this ministry is too busy planning trips to Los Angeles and building a [...]

2011/03/23 – Presentation on government services and supports

At our last Support Group meeting, many expressed interest in hearing about these programs.  Good news!! We have presenters from Service Canada and the AISH office coming!! Here is an interesting website describing some of the programs.  Come and learn what benefits are available and how to apply for them. When:  Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at [...]

2011/04/13 – Planning for the Future: Info session for Parkinson and HD Patients and their families

We have been invited to these 1.5 hour info sessions covering: How HD can impact household finances and what you can do about it. Options for housing: when, how and what Advanced Care Planning: personal and financial decisions and making your wishes known. Dates and Locations: East Calgary Health Centre: Wednesday 10:00 am to 11:30 [...]