Create Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day

Summary#

This bill would make October 18 a national “Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day” in Canada. It is a commemorative day only. It is not a legal holiday and does not create new programs or funding (Clause: Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day; Clause: Not a legal holiday).

• Sets October 18 each year as a national awareness day (Clause: Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day).
• States it is not a legal holiday. No day off or closures are required (Clause: Not a legal holiday).
• Creates no mandates for governments, employers, or schools. Observance is voluntary (Bill text).
• Includes a preamble that explains why awareness may help care, research, and advocacy (Preamble).
• Applies across Canada, every year (Clause: Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day).

What it means for you#

• Households and patients

  • A nationally recognized date to highlight inherited blood disorders. No direct change to health services or benefits (Bill text).
  • No statutory holiday. Regular schedules continue on October 18 (Clause: Not a legal holiday).

• Workers

  • No paid day off or special leave is required (Clause: Not a legal holiday).
  • No new workplace obligations (Bill text).

• Businesses

  • No compliance requirements or reporting. Normal operations (Bill text).
  • No mandated observance or closures (Clause: Not a legal holiday).

• Schools and universities

  • Calendars and operations do not change. It is not a statutory holiday (Clause: Not a legal holiday).
  • No required activities (Bill text).

• Federal departments and agencies

  • Recognition of the day is established in law. No required programs, campaigns, or spending (Bill text).

• Provinces, territories, and municipalities

  • No mandated changes to services, coverage, or holidays (Bill text).

• Nonprofits and advocacy groups

  • A fixed annual date for outreach and events. Participation remains voluntary (Bill text).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.

• No fiscal note identified. Data unavailable.
• No appropriations, grants, or tax changes in the bill (Bill text).
• No mandated activities for any level of government (Bill text).
• Not a legal holiday; no required closures or compensatory pay (Clause: Not a legal holiday).

Proponents' View#

• A national day raises visibility of inherited blood disorders and may support advocacy and education (Preamble).
• Awareness can support efforts to advance new and innovative treatments and research (Preamble).
• A fixed date can help identify and address unequal access to care across regions (Preamble).
• Bringing many rare inherited blood disorders under one umbrella can maximize visibility, especially for marginalized communities (Preamble).
• The bill is simple to implement because it does not create a holiday or require new programs (Clause: Not a legal holiday; Bill text).

Opponents' View#

• The bill is symbolic and does not change care, coverage, or funding; impact may be limited without concrete measures (Bill text; assumption flagged).
• Effects depend on voluntary actions by governments and organizations; there is no enforcement or reporting (Bill text; assumption flagged).
• Proliferation of awareness days can dilute public attention and reduce effectiveness over time (assumption flagged).
• Federal recognition does not require provinces or territories to alter services or policies, so access gaps may persist (Bill text).
• Agencies may face minor administrative work if they choose to observe the day, with no dedicated funding in the bill (Bill text; assumption flagged).