Annotation:
The Canadian Human Rights Commission's policy on HIV/AIDS recognizes and combats discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS in the workplace. It states that everyone has the right to equality and to be treated with dignity and without discrimination, regardless of HIV/AIDS status. While the policy does not explicitly address rights issues for women with HIV/AIDS, it applies equally to men and women and discusses HIV/AIDS in the context of equality rights and nondiscrimination. The Commission maintains that HIV-free status should not be considered an occupational requirement unless it is essential to safe, efficient and reliable job performance. Pre- and post-employment HIV testing is not condoned by the Commission as such testing could lead to discrimination against individuals with HIV-positive status. The Commission also states that it will improve public education and encourage workplace policies to reduce misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, Canada]