Date of publication: 1 July 2025
Thursday 19 June 2025
Ottawa observes National Sickle Cell Awareness Day
On June 19th, is recognition of National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie, in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Association of Canada and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health at the University of Ottawa, hosted a powerful Parliamentary Breakfast to mark this important occasion.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement regarding Bill S-201: An Act to Prohibit and Prevent Genetic Discrimination. The bill has now successfully passed its third reading in the Senate and is moving to committee review — an essential step toward becoming Canadian law.
This legislation matters. It’s about protecting the rights and dignity of those living with genetic conditions like Sickle Cell Disease — a life-altering illness that affects over thousands of Canadians. For those living with it, every day is a fight — against chronic and acute pain, unpredictable health crises, and systemic barriers to care.
I was deeply moved by the testimony of my childhood friend Ulysse Guerrier, who shared his powerful story of resilience and what it means to live with Sickle Cell. His courage is a reminder of why we must act now.
Let’s stand together to end genetic discrimination and support the Sickle Cell community.
Here’s how you can help:
We need to show Parliament that there is strong public support behind this bill. Please take a moment to sign the petition below.
Your voice can help push this life-saving legislation forward and protect thousands of Canadians from discrimination.
