Diabetes affects people in different ways and can be well managed with education and supports, diet, exercise, and medication. Individuals living with diabetes have the right to be eligible for employment in any occupation for which the person is individually qualified. Up until recently, pilots who already had their commercial license when they became insulin-dependent could apply for a medical certificate to keep flying, but no one who already was living with diabetes and insulin-dependent could do the same. Jan Hux, president & CEO for Diabetes Canada. “This groundbreaking time in our history represents a successful collaboration between citizens who are passionate about their rights, organizations willing to support, and governments ready to listen and enact policy change,” says Dr. This action removed an important barrier for those living with diabetes and supports basic human rights to allow those living with the disease a chance to pursue career goals rather than discriminate due to living with a chronic illness. An important milestone in Canadian diabetes history coincides with diabetes awareness month: Austen McDonald - the first Canadian with pre-existing diabetes to be granted a commercial pilot license - will fly his first commercial flight from Calgary to Saskatoon with his employer, Jazz Aviation, on November 5.Įarlier this year, Transport Canada removed barriers by amending their practice to allow individuals living with pre-existing diabetes to apply for the medical certificate needed to obtain a commercial pilot license.
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