Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA)
In December 2018, the Cour d’ appel du Québec (Québec Court of Appeal) gave its opinion that the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA) did not constitute a valid exercise of Parliament’s criminal law power. The Québec opinion did not overturn the GNDA but did put the GNDA at risk. In response to the opinion of the Québec Court of Appeal, Parkinson Canada as part of the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF) filed a notice of appeal referring the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). That hearing took place on Oct. 10, 2019.
On July 10, 2020, the SCC announced its decision that the law be upheld!
The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA) prevents employers from requiring employees to undergo genetic testing or disclose genetic testing results and bars insurance companies from requiring customers to undergo testing to receive coverage.The enactment provides individuals with other protections related to genetic testing and test results as well. Our Parkinson Canada Ambassadors were instrumental in advocating with their local Members of Parliament to get the legislation passed in 2017.
For more information: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stefanovich-supreme-court-of-canada-genetic-information-1.5643245
You Are Not Alone – e-Book
COVID-19 has placed a strain on all of us, especially people living with Parkinson’s. People with Parkinson’s are vulnerable because of their underlying condition, which could make their Parkinson’s symptoms worse if they were to get the virus. However, Parkinson’s can also be extremely isolating under normal circumstances, and this year has intensified those feelings for many of us.
Our Parkinson’s community has found a way to come together and connect virtually by sharing personal stories and words of encouragement. So many compelling messages of overwhelming courage and vulnerability have been compiled into an e-book to share with community members, with an important reminder: You Are Not Alone.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, or have been living with Parkinson’s for years, this e-book is for you. If somebody close to you is living with Parkinson’s or if it’s the reason you’ve lost someone in the past, this e-book is for you too.
Because three things are truer today than ever before:
- We deeply need human connection right now.
- People and families living Parkinson’s are the most resilient, resourceful, determined people in the country.
- You are not alone. We’re here for you. You are part of an amazing community.
Visit: parkinson.ca/you-are-not-alone/ to reserve your copy today.
ONLINE EVENTS
World Brain Day – July 22 – panel discussion
On World Brain Day, the World Federation of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society will host a joint webinar.
Join us as we move together to end Parkinson’s disease
on July 22, 2020, at 10:00 AM ET
This esteemed panel of speakers will take part in a webinar discussion about the global impact of Parkinson’s Disease:
- Dr. Susan H. Fox — Chair, Medical Advisory Council, Parkinson Canada
- Prof. William M. Carroll — President of the World Federation of Neurology
- Prof. Tissa Wijeratne — Chair of World Brain Day, World Federation of Neurology
- Claudia Trenkwalder, MD — President of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
- Prof. Wolfgang Grisold — Secretary General of the World Federation of Neurology
- Associate Professor Victor Fung — Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Pediatric Movement Disorders
When Life Gives You Parkinson’s
Playing a crucial role in the success of the first season, Parkinson Canada is strengthening its commitment to the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcasts with Larry Gifford, only 45 years old at the time when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in August 2017. In sharing his diagnosis publicly, he discovered that, despite how far-reaching the effects of Parkinson’s disease are, there were few resources that took a human-centered approach. In addition to the advocacy and awareness he does through the podcast, Gifford also sits on The Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council and is on the board of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute. When Life Gives You Parkinson’s is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Listen now.
Parkinson Canada Presents Online Exercise and Wellness
July 29, 2020, 3pm EDT
Mindfulness & Parkinson’s: How to Use it to Manage Pain & Emotions
Presented by Gabrielle Pagé, a clinical psychologist and researcher with expertise in pain management. She explains the impact mindfulness can have on one’s brain and overall well-being. She also provides practical tips on how to integrate mindfulness in your everyday life to manage pain, stress and emotions.
Watch Live on Facebook
Watch on YouTube Anytime
Watch Anytime:
Simple Techniques for Relief from Stress, Fear & Anxiety
Nicole Mahabir, the founder and director of JAI Wellness, a platform for health education, mindful living and wellbeing. In this webinar, she will discuss holistic practices and wellness routines that you can incorporate throughout your day to help with resilience and good rest. Discover mindful breath practices, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapies, relaxation techniques and sleep routines.
Watch on YouTube Anytime
Live and Recorded Exercise Classes Continue this Month
Staying active is key to managing both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Parkinson Canada’s Lance Letain is a certified instructor for the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. This month, he’ll offer live classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. EDT, on the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk Facebook page as part of SuperWalk: The Movement throughout the month. You can also revisit any of Lance’s past classes, as well as playlist of PWR! Moves and Dance classes on the Parkinson Canada YouTube page.
If you’re taking part, consider registering your activity with The Movement for your chance to win monthly prizes and to inspire others to stay moving this summer.
Join Lance Live Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Facebook
Get Active with Lance, Dance Classes or PWR! Moves on YouTube Anytime